FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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BALTIMORE, MD – Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that Martin K. Obi, 59, a former employee of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS), and Joseph Chimah, 67, owner of the general contracting company First Potomac Environmental Corporation (First Potomac), have been sentenced in Baltimore County Circuit Court for their roles in a fraudulent contracting scheme at State correctional facilities.
Obi and Chimah had previously pleaded guilty to procurement fraud for their improper efforts to steer DPSCS contracts for maintenance and repairs to First Potomac. Separately, Obi also pleaded guilty to two counts of filing false income tax returns.
Between 2018 and 2022, Obi and Chimah engaged in a scheme to steer at least eight DPSCS contracts – including for sidewalk repairs, duct cleaning, and painting – to First Potomac. Chimah submitted to Obi fraudulent bids appearing to come from competitors, which were priced higher than those from First Potomac. Obi then used the fraudulent bids to recommend awarding the contracts to First Potomac. First Potomac received $51,224 in State payments for contracts obtained under the scheme. In exchange for Obi’s assistance, Chimah helped him obtain insurance payouts by making fraudulent representations to insurance companies. In at least four insurance claims relating to damage to Obi’s properties in Baltimore County, Chimah falsely stated that First Potomac had completed and billed for repair work.
On October 31, 2025, the Honorable Robert E. Cahill, Jr. of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County sentenced Joseph Chimah to three years of incarceration, all suspended in favor of 18 months of probation. Chimah was also ordered to pay the State of Maryland a fine of $5,000 and restitution of $21,774.
On February 10, 2026, the Honorable Jan M. Alexander of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County sentenced Martin Obi to 15 years of incarceration, all suspended in favor of three years of probation. Obi was also ordered to pay what he owes in State taxes.
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 for their assistance in this investigation. Finally, Attorney General Brown thanked State’s Attorney for Baltimore County Scott Shellenberger for his assistance with this prosecution.
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