Former DCPS worker, contractor indicted in bribery scheme, officials say

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — Former District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) workers and contractor were indicted in a bribery scheme, according to officials.

Sixty-year-old Dana Garnett, of Hyattsville, Md., and former DCPS employee was charged with conspiracy to commit bribery and wire fraud.

Forty-year-old Yelake Meseretu, who owns U.S. Office Solutions, a vendor of goods to DCPS, was also charged with bribery and wire fraud.

The indictment claims that for at least five years, Garnett accepted money from several vendors who provided goods to DCPS, and in return, Garnett directed business to the vendors.

Some of the payments were made through fake orders that were given to the vendors and paid in full by DCPS.

The indictment also claims that Garnett and co-conspirator Patricia Bailey, who is a former DCPS employee, worked together with the vendors to deliver fewer goods than it was registered on the orders.

Vendors paid in cash to Garnett and Bailey at multiple locations in D.C. and Maryland.

Three defendants pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme in several related cases.

Bailey pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea agreement and information filed in October 2023 in U.S. District Court.

Two business owners, Donald McWhirter, the owner of General Merchandise, and Duane King, the owner of American Business Supplies pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme.

Sentencing is pending for the three defendants.

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