Former Maryland Law Enforcement Officer Sentenced for Insurance and Bank Fraud Schemes

A former law-enforcement officer in Maryland has been sentenced to a significant prison term for his involvement in elaborate schemes that defrauded an insurance company and multiple financial institutions. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, Philip James Dupree, 42, of Pikesville, was sentenced by a federal judge to 70 months in prison and two years of supervised release. The conviction includes charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, arson, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and bank fraud. Dupree has also been ordered to pay restitution totaling over $68,000 to the defrauded entities. This sentence will be served consecutively to an unrelated sentence he is currently serving.

Dupree, who was formerly an officer with the Fairmount Heights Police Department, engaged in these fraudulent activities with at least one co-conspirator, Mark Ross Johnson Jr., a former Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) officer. The overarching schemes involved the creation of false police reports and the submission of fabricated loss claims, all designed to unlawfully obtain funds from an insurance provider and three different financial institutions. This case highlights a disturbing abuse of authority and a breach of public trust by individuals sworn to uphold the law. The consequences of such actions can erode public confidence and lead to significant financial losses for businesses and consumers alike.

The investigation revealed two distinct fraudulent operations. In November 2018, Dupree and Johnson allegedly orchestrated the burning of Johnson’s truck, which was reportedly experiencing mechanical issues. While on duty, Dupree claimed to have discovered the ablaze vehicle and subsequently filed an impound report containing inaccuracies regarding its recovery. Johnson then utilized this report to file a total loss claim with his insurance company. Further complicating the matter, Johnson allegedly submitted altered telephone records to the insurer, attempting to conceal a conversation he had with Dupree shortly before the truck was found. Evidence presented indicated that the fire was intentionally set and originated within the passenger compartment of the truck. The insurance company, relying on the doctored police report and altered phone records, ultimately paid out over $68,000 to the truck’s lien holder.

Following the insurance fraud, between May and June of 2019, Dupree, Johnson, and others allegedly collaborated on a scheme to defraud three separate financial institutions. This operation involved coordinated ATM withdrawals from their own accounts, followed by claims that their money had been stolen. The conspirators then sought reimbursement from their respective financial institutions for these purported unauthorized transactions. To support these claims, Dupree and Johnson allegedly submitted police reports to the PGPD that falsely stated their debit cards had been stolen and subsequently used for unauthorized ATM withdrawals. In one instance, a police report submitted by Dupree to support his claim of a stolen debit card was found to be entirely fabricated, never having been entered into the Prince George’s County Record Management System. This false report also named a non-existent police officer as its preparer and incorrectly listed Johnson as the victim, a detail carried over from another fraudulent report Johnson had arranged to be generated for his credit union. The conspirators then submitted claims to the financial institutions for the falsely reported stolen funds.

Johnson’s sentencing in this matter is scheduled for June 2, 2026. U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the FBI and the Prince George’s County Police Department in conducting the investigation. The Fairmount Heights Police Department also provided assistance. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Baldwin. For individuals seeking information on reporting fraud or understanding the priorities of the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, resources are available on justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland

Video Spotlight