Wayne I. Kacher, Jr., a 52-year-old business owner from Harford County, Maryland, has been sentenced to 20 months in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher issued the sentence following Kacher's conviction for conspiracy, honest services wire fraud, and federal program bribery on May 21, 2024.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Kelly O. Hayes, announced the sentencing alongside FBI Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno and Christopher Dillard, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
The Maryland Broadband Cooperative (MdBC), a not-for-profit corporation, aimed to assist internet service providers with offering broadband internet to underserved and unserved areas. William Patrick Mitchell, the organization's president, collaborated with Kacher's company, Bel Air Underground, Inc. (BAU), on broadband network projects. From 2014 to 2018, MdBC paid BAU over $11 million, including $7.9 million for a fiber-optic broadband connection project.
Trial evidence revealed that Kacher provided Mitchell with financial benefits in exchange for subcontracted work. These included cash payments, an all-terrain vehicle, a John Deere Gator, and renovations to Mitchell's residence. Judge Gallagher previously sentenced Mitchell to one year and one day in prison for his involvement.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the work of the FBI and DCIS in this investigation. She also acknowledged the contributions of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew P. Phelps and Christine Goo in prosecuting the case.
Further information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office can be found at www.justice.gov/usao-md. To report fraud, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
