Dana Garnett, a former contract specialist for the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), has been found guilty by a federal jury in a case involving bribery and wire fraud. Garnett, aged 61, was implicated in a scheme that directed DCPS business to local vendors who, in turn, paid her kickbacks and bribes over several years. This illegal activity also involved defrauding DCPS by accepting fewer supplies than ordered. Garnett could face up to 15 years in prison following this conviction.
The announcement came from U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Steven J. Jensen, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office, and Daniel W. Lucas, Inspector General for the District of Columbia.
Evidence presented at trial revealed that over at least five years, Garnett accepted payments from vendors supplying goods to DCPS. She facilitated falsified orders awarded to these vendors that were fully paid by DCPS despite incomplete deliveries. The vendors then compensated Garnett with cash payments delivered in various locations around D.C. and Maryland.
Patricia Bailey, Duane King, and Donald McWhirter have all pleaded guilty to their involvement in the conspiracy. Patricia Bailey was an administrative officer for DCPS’s Cardozo Education Campus; Duane King owned American Business Supplies; and Donald McWhirter owned General Business Supplies Unlimited.
Additionally charged is Yelake Meseretu, owner of U.S. Office Solutions—a supplier accused of engaging in similar fraudulent activities with Garnett directing business his way in exchange for bribes.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI's Washington Field Office along with the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher R. Howland and John Borchert.
