DOE Employee Doherty Accused of $10K Bribery Scheme

BOSTON – A former U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Security Specialist is in deep trouble after being indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly attempting to grease the palms of a colleague in exchange for lucrative government contracts. Edward Doherty, 34, of Washington, D.C. and Weymouth, Mass., stands accused of a brazen scheme to steer business to his own private company, MAE Systems, LLC (MAE).

The feds say Doherty, who entered a deferred resignation program with the DOE in February 2025, allegedly launched MAE in Massachusetts just months prior, in November 2024. According to the indictment, Doherty then attempted to buy influence, offering cash to a DOE employee in February 2025 in a direct quid pro quo – contracts for MAE in exchange for a payoff. Thankfully, the targeted DOE employee did the right thing and immediately reported Doherty’s offer to law enforcement.

Investigators allege that between February and June 2025, Doherty was caught on record promising at least $10,000 to the DOE employee for ensuring MAE landed a DOE contract. The scheme wasn’t just talk; Doherty allegedly followed through, making two down payments totaling $2,500 in June 2025. Now, he’s facing serious consequences for his alleged actions. He was initially charged by criminal complaint and arrested on July 1, 2025, and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

“Federal contracts are not for sale. Attempting to buy influence in our government is a serious crime, and we will treat it as such,” declared 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.” Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, added, “Here’s another public servant, accused of fully embracing the practice of pay to play…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.”

The Department of Energy’s Office of Inspector General is sending a clear message: corruption won’t be tolerated. Lewe Sessions, Assistant Inspector General for Investigations, stated, “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.” Doherty is facing a potential 20-year prison sentence if convicted of honest services wire fraud, along with potential sentences of up to two years for payment of illegal gratuities and 15 years for bribery of a public official. He also faces substantial fines.

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit. It’s crucial to remember that these are allegations, and Doherty is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. But this case serves as a stark reminder that attempts to undermine the integrity of government contracts will be met with swift and decisive action. The announcement was made jointly by U.S. Attorney Foley, FBI SAC Docks and DOE Assistant IG Sessions.

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