Former DCPS Vendor Convicted in Bribery and Kickback Scheme

A U.S. federal jury convicted Yelake Meseretu, former owner of U.S. Office Solutions, of conspiracy, bribery and honest services wire fraud. The DOJ said the scheme involved cash kickbacks to two DCPS procurement officials, who allegedly steered contracts to his company.

According to trial evidence cited by the DOJ, falsified supply-order paperwork and false certifications enabled under-delivery of goods and overpayment by DCPS. Former DCPS administrator Patricia Bailey pleaded guilty to bribery in 2023; sentencing remains pending, while Meseretu is scheduled for sentencing in February 2026.