Ex-Census Bureau Official Sentenced to Two Years for Bribery and Fraud

A former supervisory official at the U.S. Census Bureau has been sentenced to federal prison for orchestrating a scheme involving bribery and procurement fraud that resulted in kickbacks totaling $790,000. Camille Jones, 47, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, will serve two years of incarceration followed by one year of supervised release, as ordered by U.S. District Judge Lydia Kay Griggsby. Judge Griggsby also mandated the forfeiture of assets derived from the illicit activities.

According to court documents, Jones admitted to leveraging her position to direct a substantial employee assistance program contract to a primary contractor and a subcontracting firm named YMJ Consulting. This company is owned by Yolanda M. Jones, a relative of Camille Jones. In return for steering the multi-million dollar contract and subsequent modifications, Camille Jones received kickbacks from both YMJ Consulting and Yolanda Jones.

The scheme extended beyond the initial awarding of the contract. Camille Jones reportedly took steps to obstruct the federal investigation. She drafted a service agreement between YMJ Consulting and a mental health company she personally owned. This document, which was signed by both Camille Jones and Yolanda Jones in 2024 but backdated to 2020, was intended to disguise the kickback payments as legitimate consulting fees. Yolanda Jones subsequently provided this falsified agreement to law enforcement during the investigation.

Further details from the court proceedings reveal that Camille Jones also utilized her official capacity to share confidential procurement information with another government contractor. This preferential treatment reportedly led to one of Camille Jones’s relatives being hired for a role with minimal work responsibilities, while Camille Jones largely performed the duties. The relative received $83,000 for this position. Yolanda Jones previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and honest services fraud on August 14, 2025, and is awaiting sentencing.

The investigation and prosecution were a collaborative effort involving the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, the Department of Justice Criminal Division, and the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of the Inspector General. U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes highlighted the importance of the DOC-OIG’s work in uncovering the fraud.

The public should be aware that individuals in positions of trust within government agencies are subject to strict legal oversight, and violations of public trust can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and financial restitution. Residents with information about potential fraud involving government contracts or officials are encouraged to report it. Further information on reporting fraud can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland website.

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

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