Maryland Officials Indicted in Major COVID-19 Contract Fraud Scheme

A former Maryland state official and a business owner have been indicted for a bribery and procurement fraud scheme. The scheme illegally awarded over $479,000 in COVID-19 cleaning contracts. The indictments were announced by Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown.

The alleged crimes took place during the height of the pandemic. State facilities needed emergency cleaning services. The case highlights a serious breach of public trust.

Details of the Alleged Bribery and Fraud

Ronald Van Price was the Acting Director of the Office of General Services for the Maryland Department of Labor. He is accused of conspiring with Walter O’Riley Poindexter, owner of P-Dex contracting. According to the Attorney General’s office, Price manipulated the procurement process to steer contracts to Poindexter’s company.

Price also worked with another contractor, Mark Sykes. The scheme bypassed standard state rules. It concealed critical conflicts of interest.

In return for securing the contracts, Price received bribes. The total bribes paid were at least $88,000. This information comes from the official indictment.

Broader Impact on Public Trust and Accountability

This case damages confidence in government operations during a crisis. Attorney General Brown stated the scheme was a brazen misuse of taxpayer dollars. He emphasized a commitment to holding corrupt officials accountable.

The fallout affects how future emergency procurements may be handled. Stricter oversight is likely. The public expects integrity, especially in times of need.

One co-conspirator has already pleaded guilty. Mark Sykes admitted to bribery charges earlier this year. The new cases proceed in Baltimore County Circuit Court.

This indictment sends a clear message that exploiting a public health crisis for personal gain will be met with the full force of the law. The pursuit of justice in this Maryland COVID-19 fraud case reinforces the need for unwavering integrity in public service.

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Q1: Who was indicted in this scheme?

Ronald Van Price, a former state official, and Walter O’Riley Poindexter, a business owner, were indicted. They face charges of procurement fraud and bribery. Price was also charged with perjury.

Q2: How much money was involved in the fraudulent contracts?

The scheme illegally awarded over $479,000 in COVID-19 cleaning contracts. The bribes paid to the state official totaled at least $88,000. The contracts were for Maryland Department of Labor facilities.

Q3: What was the role of the third individual, Mark Sykes?

Mark Sykes was a co-conspirator in the scheme. He pleaded guilty to bribery charges in April 2025. His company, Building Enterprises LLC, also received illicit contracts.

Q4: What are the potential consequences for the accused?

If convicted, they face significant prison time and fines. The charges include felonies like bribery and procurement fraud. The cases are now proceeding through the court system.

Trusted Sources

Office of the Maryland Attorney General, Reuters, Associated Press.