Story perspectives

Former State Employee, Contractor Sentenced for Procurement Fraud

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Martin K. Obi, a former employee of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, and Joseph Chimah, owner of First Potomac Environmental Corporation, were sentenced for procurement fraud.
Obi received three years of probation and must pay state taxes, while Chimah was sentenced to 18 months of probation, a $5,000 fine, and $21,774 in restitution.
From 2018 to 2022, they conspired to steer contracts to Chimah's company, which received $51,224 in state funds and submitted fraudulent insurance claims related to Obi's properties.

1 of 1

Story summary

Martin K. Obi, a former employee of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, and Joseph Chimah, owner of First Potomac Environmental Corporation, were sentenced for procurement fraud.
Obi received three years of probation and must pay state taxes, while Chimah was sentenced to 18 months of probation, a $5,000 fine, and $21,774 in restitution.
From 2018 to 2022, they conspired to steer contracts to Chimah's company, which received $51,224 in state funds and submitted fraudulent insurance claims related to Obi's properties.