Greenbelt, Maryland – In a shocking turn of events, a federal jury has found Philip James Dupree, 41, of Pikesville, Maryland, and Mark Ross Johnson, Jr., 38, of Camp Springs, Maryland, each guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, arson, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and bank fraud.
According to the nine-count indictment, Dupree and Johnson conspired with others to carry out the scheme, which involved filing false police reports and falsifying loss claims to obtain and attempt to obtain funds from an insurance company and three different financial institutions.
As part of the insurance fraud scheme in November 2018, Dupree and Johnson coordinated to burn Johnson’s Ford F450 truck that was experiencing mechanical and electrical problems.
Dupree ‘discovered’ the burning vehicle while on duty in Fairmount Heights and filed an impound report containing false statements regarding the recovery of the truck.
Johnson then used the report number in support of his claim filed with the insurance company for a total loss on the truck. He also submitted altered telephone records to his insurer to hide that he had a 16-minute conversation with Dupree just before Dupree ‘discovered’ the truck.
A fire investigator, hired by the insurer, testified that the Ford F450 fire was intentionally set, and originated in the passenger compartment of the truck. The insurer, relying in part on the police report and altered telephone records, paid out more than $68,000 to the lien holder on the truck.
Dupree and Johnson are facing up to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. They also face at least five years, but up to 20 years, for arson affecting interstate commerce, and up to 30 years for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud.
Judge Lydia Griggsby scheduled Dupree’s sentencing for Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 10 a.m. Johnson’s sentencing is scheduled for Monday, February 23, at 1:30 p.m.
U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended the FBI and PGPD for their work in the investigation and praised the Fairmount Heights Police Department for its assistance.
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Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Category: Violent Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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