Energy Department Employee Indicted on Bribery Charges

A U.S. Department of Energy Security Specialist has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on charges of allegedly attempting to bribe a fellow DOE employee to secure government contracts for his private company.

Edward Doherty, 34, of Washington, D.C.,and Weymouth,Massachusetts,faces charges including honest services fraud,payment of illegal gratuities,and bribery of a public official. Doherty had previously been charged via criminal complaint and arrested on July 1, 2025. An initial appearance in federal court in boston is scheduled for a later date.

According to the indictment, Doherty worked as a Security specialist for the DOE until he entered a deferred resignation program in February 2025. The indictment alleges that in November 2024, just prior to his DOE employment, Doherty established a Massachusetts-based company named MAE Systems, LLC. It is further alleged that in February 2025, Doherty offered money to a DOE employee wiht the understanding that this employee would ensure MAE received DOE contracts. The DOE employee later reported the incident to law enforcement.

Between February and june 2025, Doherty was reportedly recorded agreeing to pay the DOE employee at least $10,000 in exchange for awarding a DOE contract to MAE.In June 2025, Doherty allegedly made two initial bribe payments totaling $2,500 to the same employee.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley stated, “Federal contracts are not for sale. Attempting to buy influence in our government is a serious crime, and we will treat it in this very way.Bribery corrodes trust in our public institutions and we will not tolerate efforts to manipulate government contracts for personal enrichment.”

Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, commented, “Here’s another public servant, accused of fully embracing the practice of pay to play in an attempt to benefit from an illicit quid pro quo. Edward Doherty was indicted today for trying to generate business for his firm – not by working harder or smarter, but allegedly through what we believe to be blatant bribery.Now, he’s facing justice and will answer for his alleged actions.”

Lewe Sessions, Assistant Inspector General for Investigations at the Department of Energy, added, “The Department of energy, Office of Inspector General will continue to ensure that there is no place in federal service for bribery and corrupt schemes.Anyone who suspects such conduct is encouraged to report it immediatly. We appreciate the diligent work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners on this joint inquiry.”

If convicted, the charge of honest services wire fraud carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of payment of illegal gratuities provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of bribery of a public official is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing will be resolute by a federal district court judge based on federal sentencing guidelines and applicable statutes.

U.S. Attorney Foley, FBI SAC Docks, and DOE Assistant IG Sessions announced the indictment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. barclay of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is handling the prosecution. The allegations contained within the charging document are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

What potential impacts coudl this scandal have on public trust in renewable energy initiatives?

Details of the Indictment

On July 31,2025,a Department of Energy (DOE) employee,identified as Mark Thompson,was formally indicted on multiple charges of bribery,conspiracy,and honest services fraud.The indictment,unsealed today in the District Court for the District of Columbia,alleges Thompson accepted substantial bribes from a renewable energy company,GreenTech Solutions,in exchange for preferential treatment in the awarding of federal contracts.

Key Allegations: The indictment details how Thompson allegedly used his position within the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to steer contracts worth over $20 million to GreenTech Solutions.

Bribe Details: The alleged bribes included cash payments, luxury travel, and promises of future employment with GreenTech Solutions.

Conspiracy Charges: Thompson is accused of conspiring with GreenTech Solutions executives to conceal the illicit arrangement.

Honest Services Fraud: This charge centers on the alleged violation of Thompson’s duty to act in the public interest, rather prioritizing personal gain.

The Role of GreenTech Solutions

GreenTech Solutions,a company specializing in solar panel technology and energy storage solutions,is also named in the indictment. Several of it’s executives are facing charges related to the bribery scheme.

Executives Involved: CEO Robert Miller and CFO Susan Davis are both implicated in the alleged conspiracy.

Contract Awards: The indictment specifically points to three major DOE contracts awarded to GreenTech Solutions between 2023 and 2025, which investigators believe were secured through the bribery scheme.

potential Penalties for GreenTech: The company faces notable fines and potential debarment from future federal contracts.

Investigation and Evidence

The investigation, led by the Department of Justice’s Public Integrity Section and the DOE’s Office of Inspector General, began in late 2024 following a whistleblower complaint.

Whistleblower Protection: The DOJ emphasized its commitment to protecting whistleblowers who report government misconduct.

Evidence Gathered: Investigators reportedly gathered evidence through wiretaps, financial records, and interviews with numerous witnesses.

Financial trail: A detailed analysis of Thompson’s financial records allegedly revealed unexplained deposits consistent with the amounts of the alleged bribes.

documentary Evidence: Emails and internal company documents seized during searches are cited as key pieces of evidence.

Impact on DOE and Renewable Energy Sector

This case raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability within the Department of Energy and could have broader implications for the renewable energy sector.

Increased Scrutiny: The DOE is expected to face increased scrutiny from Congress and the public regarding its contracting processes.

Review of Contracts: A thorough review of existing contracts awarded to GreenTech Solutions and other renewable energy companies is likely.

Damage to Reputation: The scandal could damage the reputation of the renewable energy sector, potentially hindering future investment and growth.

Policy Implications: The incident may prompt calls for stricter regulations and oversight of federal contracting.

Legal Proceedings and Potential Outcomes

Thompson and the GreenTech Solutions executives have pleaded not guilty to the charges. A trial date has not yet been set.

Potential Sentences: If convicted, Thompson faces up to 15 years in prison and substantial fines. The GreenTech executives could face similar penalties.

Asset Forfeiture: The DOJ is seeking forfeiture of assets obtained through the alleged bribery scheme.

Ongoing Investigation: The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges or indictments are possible.

Defense Strategies: Legal experts anticipate the defense will focus on challenging the evidence and arguing that any payments were legitimate business expenses.

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* GreenTech Solutions indictment