Nelson S.T. Thayer Jr. Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania | Penn Carey Law School
United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Donald Seefeldt, a former executive of a masonry contractor, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for conspiracy to commit federal program bribery. The sentencing was delivered by United States District Court Judge Wendy Beetlestone and includes one year of probation, 59 hours of community service, and a $50,000 fine.
Seefeldt pleaded guilty in February after being charged in November 2024. His involvement dates back to December 2015 when his company secured a contract worth over $58 million for façade repairs at Amtrak’s 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. The project was primarily funded by federal money.
Seefeldt held the position of Senior Executive Vice President with oversight responsibilities on the project. Alongside other executives and Amtrak Employee #1, he engaged in a bribery scheme involving gifts totaling approximately $323,686. These included vacations, jewelry, cash, dinners, entertainment, and transportation aimed at influencing the Amtrak employee's decisions.
Amtrak Employee #1 allegedly used his position to share confidential information and approve costly changes benefiting Seefeldt’s company. This led to over $52 million in additional payments from Amtrak with inflated costs causing an overbilling of more than $2 million.
U.S. Attorney Metcalf stated: “Seefeldt conspired to bribe an Amtrak employee, to benefit himself and his colleagues.” Wayne A. Jacobs from the FBI emphasized the damage such acts inflict on public trust and system integrity. Michael J. Waters from the Amtrak Office of Inspector General reiterated their commitment to ethical operations among contractors.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI along with inspector general offices from Amtrak and the Department of Transportation.
