A federal grand jury in Boston has indicted Edward Doherty, a Security Specialist with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), on charges related to attempted bribery of a public official. Doherty, 34, who has residences in Washington, D.C. and Weymouth, Massachusetts, faces charges of honest services fraud, payment of illegal gratuities, and bribery of a public official.
Doherty was previously arrested on July 1, 2025. According to the indictment, he began working at the DOE as a Security Specialist before agreeing to participate in the deferred resignation program in February 2025. Prior to his DOE employment, Doherty allegedly founded MAE Systems, LLC (MAE) in Massachusetts in November 2024.
Prosecutors allege that in February 2025, Doherty offered money to another DOE employee in exchange for assistance securing government contracts for MAE. The targeted employee reported the alleged bribe attempt to law enforcement authorities. Between February and June 2025, investigators recorded Doherty agreeing to pay at least $10,000 for help awarding a DOE contract to MAE and making two downpayments totaling $2,500.
“Federal contracts are not for sale. Attempting to buy influence in our government is a serious crime, and we will treat it as such,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Bribery corrodes trust in our public institutions and we will not tolerate efforts to manipulate government contracts for personal enrichment.”
“Here’s another public servant, accused of fully embracing the practice of pay to play in an attempt to benefit from an illicit quid pro quo,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Edward Doherty was indicted today for trying to generate business for his firm – not by working harder or smarter, but allegedly through what we believe to be blatant bribery. Now, he’s facing justice and will answer for his alleged actions.”
“The Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General will continue to ensure that there is no place in federal service for bribery and corrupt schemes,” said Department of Energy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Lewe Sessions. “Anyone who suspects such conduct is encouraged to report it immediately. We appreciate the diligent work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners on this joint investigation.”
If convicted on all counts—honest services wire fraud; payment of illegal gratuities; and bribery—Doherty could face significant penalties including up to 20 years’ imprisonment for wire fraud; up to two years’ imprisonment for illegal gratuities; and up to 15 years’ imprisonment for bribery charges.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay from the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit.
Officials emphasized that all details outlined are allegations at this stage; Doherty remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
