Joseph Gillespie, a former employee of the Baltimore City Department of Finance, has been sentenced to four years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett delivered the sentence due to Gillespie's involvement in a bribery scheme and conspiracy to commit wire fraud linked to COVID-19 CARES Act relief benefits.
Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, Phil Selden, made the announcement alongside Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno from the FBI's Baltimore Field Office.
"Defendant Gillespie abused the public trust through a bribery scheme and took advantage of money meant to help during the COVID-19 pandemic," stated Acting United States Attorney Selden. "When government employees take bribes and public funds, it harms the very communities they are meant to serve."
"Gillespie’s extensive schemes and lies ultimately cost hardworking taxpayers," said FBI Baltimore SAC William J. DelBagno. "The FBI and our partners remain committed to holding accountable those who try to cheat the system for their own benefit and profit."
Gillespie's plea agreement revealed that he engaged in a bribery scheme from 2016 until 2023 while working as an official within Baltimore City's Department of Finance. He accepted bribes from property owners whose properties faced financial obligations leading potentially to tax sales. These bribes were typically 10-15% of what was owed, exchanged for extinguishing these obligations without payment.
In recorded conversations with an undercover FBI agent, Gillespie discussed details of his operations, including how he managed financial obligations on behalf of various individuals around Baltimore City.
Further investigation uncovered that Gillespie was involved in fraudulent activities concerning COVID-19 CARES Act relief funds. Alongside co-defendant Ahmed Sary, he submitted false PPP loan applications resulting in substantial financial gains through misrepresentation.
The case is part of efforts by the District of Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force which focuses on investigating pandemic-related frauds under the CARES Act provisions.
Phil Selden praised law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation, highlighting contributions from Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul A. Riley and Evelyn L. Cusson who are handling prosecution duties.
For more information about reporting fraud or learning about resources available through related offices, individuals can visit designated websites or contact hotlines provided by authorities.