A federal grand jury in Boston has indicted Edward Doherty, a Security Specialist with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), on charges related to an alleged bribery scheme. 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.
According to the indictment, Doherty was employed by the DOE until he entered a deferred resignation program in February 2025. Prior to his employment at the DOE, in November 2024, Doherty allegedly established MAE Systems, LLC (MAE) in Massachusetts. The indictment states that in February 2025, Doherty offered money to another DOE employee to secure government contracts for MAE. The targeted employee reported the incident to law enforcement.
Between February and June 2025, investigators recorded Doherty allegedly agreeing to pay at least $10,000 for the awarding of a DOE contract to MAE. In June 2025, he is accused of making two downpayments totaling $2,500 as part of this arrangement.
“Federal contracts are not for sale. Attempting to buy influence in our government is a serious crime, and we will treat it as such,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Bribery corrodes trust in our public institutions and we will not tolerate efforts to manipulate government contracts for personal enrichment.”
“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,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “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.”
“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,” said Department of Energy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Lewe Sessions. “Anyone who suspects such conduct is encouraged to report it immediately. We appreciate the diligent work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners on this joint investigation.”
If convicted on all counts—honest services wire fraud; payment of illegal gratuities; and bribery—Doherty could face up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud charges; up to two years for illegal gratuities; and up to 15 years for bribery charges. Each charge also carries potential fines up to $250,000 and periods of supervised release following imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Foley announced the indictment along with FBI Special Agent Docks and DOE Assistant Inspector General Sessions. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay from the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is leading prosecution efforts.
The allegations outlined are not proof of guilt; Doherty remains presumed innocent unless proven otherwise in court.
