Bel Air Couple Indicted in APG Bribery Case

BALTIMORE, MD — A Bel Air couple was indicted on federal conspiracy and bribery charges related to their work while civilian employees at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) representing the U.S. Army.

According to the indictment unsealed this week, husband and wife John Kays, 42, and Danielle N. Kays, 41, allegedly accepted $800,000 in bribes to "steer" $21 million in contracts to a certain company.

John Kays was deputy project manager for mission command, and Danielle Kays was deputy director of the technical management division, positions from which they resigned in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

They allegedly made contract decisions that would benefit MJ-6 LLC, a company in Toledo, Ohio.

MJ-6 owner Matthew Barrow, 42, is accused of making $800,000 in bribes to the Kays, withdrawing cash in amounts under $10,000 to avoid reporting the transactions to the bank, officials said.

The Kays bought a power boat, pool party at their country club, two new vehicles and jewelry, authorities allege.

The Kays' assets have been frozen in Harford County, including a 2012 Yamaha power boat, 2012 BMW, real estate, pair of diamond earrings and Nissan Armada, according to the U.S. Attorney.

Barrow's holdings in Ohio have also been frozen; those reportedly include two pieces of real estate, a power boat, Wave Runner, 2016 GMC Yukon, 2015 Buick Enclave, 2011 GMC Yukon Denali and funds in three bank accounts.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Each of the three indicted faces a maximum of five years in prison for conspiracy and 15 years for bribery as well as fines and forfeiture if convicted. In addition, John and Danielle Kays face a maximum of five years in prison for each of two counts of making false statements, as they allegedly failed to disclose on ethics forms that they had received cash payments from Barrow.

Danielle Kays is scheduled to appear in federal court in Baltimore at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, while court appearances for John Kays and Barrow have not yet been set.

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