BALTIMORE, MD – Jason Edmonds, a 45-year-old from North East, Maryland, has pleaded guilty to engaging in a bribery scheme at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, announced U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron alongside officials from the FBI, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, and Army Criminal Investigation Division.
Employed as a Research Biologist at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (CB Center), Edmonds was involved in the center’s efforts in chemical and biological weapons defense technology. From 2012 to 2019, he accepted bribes from John Conigliaro, CEO of EISCO, Inc., including cash and financial benefits, in exchange for favorable actions on CB Center contracts.
In one instance in July 2013, Edmonds directed a $300,000 project to EISCO, followed by a $40,000 cash payment from Conigliaro for real estate purchases. This financial relationship extended to property renovations paid for by Conigliaro. A promissory note modified by Edmonds detailed further illicit exchanges totaling $25,000 for future contract manipulations.
Additional corrupt activities included directing government projects to EISCO in return for home renovations and luxury upgrades at Edmonds’s residence between December 2016 and August 2017. After federal investigations began, Edmonds and Conigliaro met to fabricate repayment stories involving gold and baseball cards to mislead investigators. This plea marks a significant development in the ongoing crackdown on corruption within government contracting and defense research.
- Bronx Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Gun Possession and Sex Offenses
BRONX, NY – Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark announced that Christopher Cano, a 30-year-old man formerly from Miami, Florida, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for gun possession, attempted rape, and attempted criminal sexual act against fellow inmates at Rikers Island. Cano's sentencing follows his guilty plea on three indictments.
District Attorney Clark emphasized the danger posed by Cano, stating, “The defendant was caught on the street with an illegal gun, posing a threat to the crowd gathered for a parade, and then committed horrendous acts against inmates while he was incarcerated. This prison term will keep a dangerous defendant away from the community.”
Cano was sentenced on July 1, 2024, by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Shari Michels. He received seven years in prison and five years of post-release supervision for second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and concurrent sentences of 3 1/2 years in prison and five years post-release supervision for Attempted Rape in the first degree and Attempted Criminal Sexual Act in the first degree. Cano pleaded guilty to these charges on December 4, 2023.
The investigation revealed that on July 24, 2016, Cano was spotted with a gun at the Bronx Dominican Day Parade on the Grand Concourse. Police arrested him after finding a loaded .38 caliber firearm. Cano claimed he had a bomb in his shoe and stated he was paid $5,000 to kill Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., who was attending the parade.
Additionally, on October 19, 2020, while detained at the Rose M. Singer Center, Cano raped a victim in the shower area. On May 4, 2021, Cano forced another inmate at the George R. Vierno Center to engage in sex acts under the pretense of helping with his criminal case.
Cano's convictions and subsequent sentencing reflect the concerted efforts of law enforcement to hold individuals accountable for violent and predatory behaviors both on the streets and within correctional facilities.
- Stamford Firefighters Quickly Douse Fire at Five Story Multi-Family Home
Stamford, CT — On July 1, at approximately 10:47 p.m., the Stamford Fire Department responded to a report of smoke and visible flames on a porch at Mill River House, located at 35 West Broad Street, a five-story multi-family dwelling with a unique “C” shaped layout.
Upon arrival, the first unit observed no visible smoke or flames from the street. Further investigation revealed that a heater on the porch of apartment 312 had ignited, causing damage to the exterior wall and burning into an adjacent closet. The fire, located on a porch facing an interior courtyard, initially obscured the smoke from view.
Electrical power to the affected apartment was promptly shut off at the panel. The fire was extinguished without the use of water, preventing additional property damage. The Stamford Police Department assisted with traffic control in the heavily trafficked area.
The incident was brought under control at 11:29 p.m. No injuries were reported. The Stamford Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
- Homicide Investigation Underway After Body Found in Baltimore Alley
Baltimore, MD — On July 3, at approximately 6:10 a.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of Argyle Avenue after an unidentified body was discovered in an alley behind a business. Medics pronounced the male victim deceased at approximately 6:13 a.m.
Homicide detectives are currently investigating the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact them at 410-396-2100.