Maryland Couple Accused Of Taking Bribes For Army Contracts

BEL AIR, Md. (WJZ) — A Bel Air husband and wife have been indicted by a federal grand jury on conspiracy and bribery charges related to contracting at the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground.

A superseding indictment filed Jan. 15 says 42-year-old John Kays and 41-year-old Danielle Kays steered $21 million in subcontracts to MJ-6, LLC, an Ohio-based company formed by 42-year-old Matthew Barrow and his wife. In return, authorities say Barrow paid the Kays about $800,000.

Money the couple allegedly used to buy two new cars, a power boat, jewelry, to throw a pool party at their country club and to pay credit cards.

"If the decision maker is compromised because they are worried about how much money they are going to get in their own pocket, then they are less worried about whether the tax payers are getting their money's worth," said Rod Rosenstein, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland.

The court has ordered assets belonging to the Kays be frozen, including a home in Harford County.

Thursday night, WJZ tried to get a comment from the Kays, but the gentleman who answered the door disappeared.

In the driveway was the BMW and a SUV the government wants to seize.

Neighbors said they're making no judgments.

"Until the court system actually goes through the process and it is fully vetted, I am open minded," said  neighbor Stephen Knapp.

The U.S. attorney stresses the Kays are innocent until proven guilty. They could face decades in prison if found guilty.

The Kays are also charged with making false statements on their government ethics forms.

Barrow has also been indicted on conspiracy and bribery charges.

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