Joseph Gillespie, a former employee of the Baltimore City Department of Finance, has been sentenced to four years in federal prison and three years of supervised release. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett for Gillespie's involvement in a bribery scheme and conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to COVID-19 CARES Act relief benefits.
Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, Phil Selden, announced the sentence alongside Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI's Baltimore Field Office. Selden remarked on the case, stating, "Defendant Gillespie abused the public trust through a bribery scheme and took advantage of money meant to help during the COVID-19 pandemic."
The FBI's DelBagno added that "Gillespie’s extensive schemes and lies ultimately cost hardworking taxpayers," emphasizing that "corruption never pays."
According to Gillespie’s plea agreement, he engaged in a bribery scheme from 2016 to 2023 while working at the Baltimore City Department of Finance. He accepted bribes from property owners whose properties had financial obligations that could lead to tax sales if unpaid. In exchange for these bribes—typically 10-15 percent of what was owed—Gillespie would remove or delay these obligations without proper authorization.
Gillespie's actions were documented through recorded conversations with an undercover FBI agent where he discussed details of his bribery operations. In one instance, he confirmed receiving $800 in bribes for extending payment deadlines on eight properties.
In addition to his bribery activities, Gillespie also participated in fraudulent schemes involving COVID-19 CARES Act relief funds. He submitted false Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications with co-defendant Ahmed Sary, resulting in over $138,000 being distributed based on fabricated information.
The District of Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force played a role in investigating this case as part of broader efforts by the U.S. Department of Justice to address pandemic-related fraud.
Acting United States Attorney Phil Selden commended various agencies involved in this investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul A. Riley and Evelyn L. Cusson for prosecuting the case.
For more information about reporting attempted fraud involving COVID-19 or learning about resources available through the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, individuals are encouraged to visit their official websites.
