A federal grand jury in Baltimore has charged Victor Marquez, a Maryland IT executive, with defrauding the federal government. The indictment, returned on December 17, outlines a scheme involving bid rigging and kickbacks related to IT contracts.
Charges Against Victor Marquez
Marquez, who owns two IT companies, faces several serious allegations. He is charged with:
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
- Four counts of wire fraud
- Major fraud against the United States
According to the indictment, Marquez and his co-conspirators exploited insider relationships to manipulate IT contract bidding processes, leading to significant financial gains at taxpayer expense. They reportedly funneled over $3.8 million in government funds through this corrupt scheme.
Guilty Pleas from Co-Conspirators
Two of Marquez’s associates, James Briar and Robert Fay, have already pleaded guilty in connection to the case. Their specific charges include:
- Briar: Conspiracy to pay illegal kickbacks (pleaded guilty on August 11)
- Fay: Conspiracy to pay illegal kickbacks and violation of the Anti-Kickback Act (pleaded guilty on October 1)
Briar faces a maximum of five years in prison, while Fay could receive up to ten years.
Potential Penalties for Marquez
If convicted, Marquez could face severe penalties. Each conspiracy and wire fraud count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, while the major fraud charge could add another ten years. A federal judge will determine the final sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Investigative and Prosecution Efforts
The investigation has involved multiple agencies, including the DoD Office of Inspector General Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the FBI Baltimore Field Office, and the NSA Office of Inspector General. This collaborative effort aims to protect the integrity of government procurement processes.
Commitment to Combatting Fraud
Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi emphasized the importance of accountability in government contracting. The Justice Department’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force aims to combat fraudulent schemes affecting public funds.
Authorities encourage anyone with information related to this investigation to come forward. Whistleblowers who provide valuable information leading to penalties or recoveries may qualify for financial rewards.
Conclusion
The case against Victor Marquez serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing efforts to root out fraud within government contracting. Law enforcement agencies remain committed to holding all individuals accountable for their actions, ensuring the integrity of taxpayer-funded operations.
