Maryland State Wire

Today, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland announced the arrest of Evester Edd, a 64-year-old former senior human resources employee for the Peace Corps. Edd is charged with wire fraud, theft of government funds, and making false statements to federal agents.

The announcement was made by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, along with Inspector General Joaquin E. Ferrao from the Peace Corps Office of Inspector General (Peace Corps OIG) and Acting Inspector General Joe Allen from the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of the Inspector General (FHFA-OIG).

According to an affidavit supporting the criminal complaint, Edd allegedly defrauded the U.S. government by working simultaneously as a federal employee and contractor. He is accused of falsifying timecards submitted to various federal agencies and misrepresenting his work for the government. This scheme involved using wire communications to submit false reports, resulting in double billing amounting to tens of thousands of dollars.

Edd also faces accusations of making false statements regarding his security clearance documentation by misrepresenting ties with individuals overseas. During an investigation interview, he allegedly lied about electronic accounts he created and actions involving money sent to foreign nationals in exchange for explicit content. The affidavit further claims that Edd abused his access to government computers over 1,000 times to access sensitive information, which he then transmitted via commercial email accounts.

The arrest follows a yearlong investigation led by Peace Corps OIG in collaboration with FHFA-OIG and other law enforcement agencies. In November 2024, federal agents executed a search warrant at Edd’s home to seize electronic devices before he retired from federal service in December 2024 during an ongoing investigation.

“Public service is a public trust,” said Hayes. “These charges reflect the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment — along with our law enforcement partners — to holding individuals accountable when they undermine the integrity of federal agencies and violate the law.”

Ferrao emphasized their dedication: “The investigation and today’s arrest underscore our commitment to pursue allegations against those who would defraud U.S. taxpayers.”

Allen highlighted FHFA OIG's mission: “Identifying, investigating, and preventing schemes that defraud American taxpayers is a core mission... As today’s arrest reflects... appropriate charges are filed.”

Edd faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud, 10 years for theft of government property, five years for false statements to federal agents, alongside fines and restitution.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended both Peace Corps OIG and FHFA-OIG for their investigative work while thanking Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Baldwin prosecuting this case.

For more details on reporting fraud or learning about priorities at Maryland U.S Attorney’s Office visit justice.gov/usao-md or justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.