FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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BALTIMORE, MD – Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that Martin K. Obi, a former state employee of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS), and Joseph Chimah, owner of First Potomac Environmental Corporation (a general contracting company), each pleaded guilty in Baltimore County Circuit Court to felony procurement fraud. The convictions stem from a scheme involving public contracts awarded to First Potomac for cleaning, maintenance, and repair work at DPSCS correctional facilities.
“Marylanders deserve to know their tax dollars are being spent honestly and efficiently, not used to line the pockets of corrupt state employees and government contractors,” said Attorney General Brown. “These guilty pleas send a clear message that our Office will prosecute anyone who exploits government positions for personal gain.”
Between 2018 and 2022, Obi and Chimah engaged in a scheme to steer at least eight DPSCS contracts – including sidewalk repairs, duct cleaning, and painting – to First Potomac. Chimah submitted multiple fraudulent bids that were higher than First Potomac’s bid, which falsely appeared to come from competitors. Obi then used those fake bids to recommend awarding the contracts to First Potomac, which had submitted lower bids.
In exchange for Obi’s assistance, Chimah helped him obtain insurance payouts by making fraudulent insurance claims related to properties in Baltimore County owned by Obi or his family. Chimah falsely stated in at least four claims that First Potomac had completed and billed for repair work on those properties.
Since approximately 2012, First Potomac has received more than $375,000 from the State of Maryland for work performed at DPSCS facilities. The state paid First Potomac $51,224 under contracts awarded under the fraudulent bidding scheme.
Separately, Obi also pleaded guilty to two counts of income tax fraud for claiming expenses related to a fictitious business.
Obi is scheduled for sentencing before the Honorable Jan M. Alexander on February 10, 2026. Chimah is scheduled for sentencing before the Honorable Robert E. Cahill, Jr., on October 31, 2025.
In making today’s announcement, Attorney General Brown thanked his Criminal Division, specifically Division Chief Katie Dorian, Fraud and Corruption Unit Chief Alex Huggins, Investigative Auditor Harry Armstrong, and Assistant Attorney General William Elman, who prosecuted these cases. Attorney General Brown also thanked the Maryland State Police and the Office of Legislative Audits. Finally, Attorney General Brown thanked State’s Attorney for Baltimore County Scott Shellenberger for assisting with this prosecution.
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