Attorney General Gansler Announces Another Contractor Convicted in Connection with Corruption Investigation at UMBC

BALTIMORE, MD (June 18, 2008) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that a sixth individual has been convicted in the corruption investigation involving construction projects at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Christopher J. Keehner, 39, of Oak Farm Court in Lutherville, was convicted in Baltimore County Circuit Court of conspiracy to steal $24,000 from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Sentencing is scheduled for September 17, 2008.

Christopher Keehner, the president of DS Pipe & Supply Co., Inc. in Baltimore, pled guilty before the Honorable John G. Turnbull, II for his role in the conspiracy to steal money in connection with a construction project at UMBC. Keehner, through his company DS Pipe, engaged in an overbilling scheme and used the proceeds from the scheme to pay for personal benefits for himself, the temperature controls contractor, and George Alinsod, the UMBC Construction Manager who, according to Keehner, devised the overbilling plan. The benefits shared by the conspirators included an all expenses paid golf vacation to Ireland, a four day vacation at a resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey, trips to Las Vegas, and cash.

Christopher Keehner is the sixth person to be convicted in the Attorney General’s investigation. UMBC employee Joseph Shryock was convicted of felony theft, contractor Patrick Sisk was convicted of bribery and theft, contractors Joseph Cheek and Dennis Roberts were both convicted of bribery, and UMBC employee Andrew Reider was convicted of procurement fraud, felony theft, and bribery. All are awaiting sentencing. The case was investigated by the Attorney General’s Criminal Division, the Maryland State Police, and the University System of Maryland Internal Audit Office. In making today’s announcement, Attorney General Gansler thanked Assistant Attorney General Kate O’Donnell for her work on the case.