Former GSA Official Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Bribery Scheme

A former contracting officer’s representative for the General Services Administration (GSA) has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for his involvement in a bribery conspiracy. Lennie Lamont Miller, 61, of Brandywine, Maryland, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit bribery of a federal official, according to information released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. The scheme involved directing federal project work to construction companies in exchange for cash and other benefits.

Miller’s illegal activities spanned from 2018 to 2021. During this period, he allegedly conspired with Christopher Brackins, 53, of Mt. Airy, Maryland, who owned “Company A.” Miller used his authority within the GSA contracting process to steer federal project work to Company A. In return, Miller received approximately $50,000 in money and other valuables from Brackins. These benefits included cash payments, checks, and funds to cover vehicle repairs and improvements to a relative’s residence. One specific instance involved Brackins arranging for an employee to give Miller $8,000 in cash from a fraudulently inflated bonus. Another payment of $25,000 was funneled to Miller in 2021 through an intermediary’s air-conditioning repair business, as directed by Miller.

In addition to his dealings with Brackins, Miller also engaged in a similar bribery conspiracy with James Tillman, 59, of Washington, D.C., the owner of “Company D.” Starting in early 2020 and continuing through at least mid-2021, Miller directed GSA project work to Company D in exchange for cash, a sports car, and moving expenses for his romantic partner. Miller facilitated this by introducing Tillman to personnel at “Company C,” leading to a pairing of Company D and Company C for GSA federal projects. Both Company A and Company D are general construction firms that performed subcontracting work on GSA projects. The GSA is the federal agency responsible for managing federal properties.

The sentencing of Miller is part of a broader effort to combat fraud within federal programs. Brackins has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery of a federal public official, wire fraud, and unlawful possession of a machine gun, with his sentencing scheduled for October 22. Tillman also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery of a federal public official, and his sentencing is set for October 20. These prosecutions are aligned with initiatives aimed at eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has provided resources for reporting fraud on its website.

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

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