Ex Philly Government Worker Took Bribes, Lied On Taxes: Feds

PHILADELPHIA — A former City of Philadelphia employee is facing federal charges after he allegedly took bribes, lied on his taxes, and more, according to federal authorities.

United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced Jeffrey Blackwell, 46, of Philadelphia, was charged by indictment with honest services wire fraud, federal program bribery, filing a false tax return, and failure to file a tax return.

Blackwell, a former City of Philadelphia employee in the Office of the City Controller, is facing 13 counts tied to a series of frauds, accepting more than $22,000 in bribes and kickbacks from individuals seeking City permits and contracts, according to McSwain's office.

The indictment alleges that between 2013 and 2015 while serving in the Investigations Division of the Controller’s Office, Blackwell misused his official position to enrich himself by soliciting money in exchange for official actions or the promise of official actions, but rarely provided the promised permits or contracts. Promised services included lucrative city contracts and licenses, permits for home renovation work, and even mundane permits to park a storage container on the street, the indictment alleges.

Blackwell is also charged with one count of federal program bribery for allegedly accepting a bribe to award a contract with the city to install decals on Philadelphia Police vehicles and a license to operate a used car sales business, McSwain's office said.

Additionally, Blackwell faces charges related to making a false claim on his tax return in 2012, and failing to file federal tax returns in 2014 and 2015.

Blackwell faces more than 30 years in prison if convicted.

"This indictment sends a message that you can’t skirt City permitting rules," said Philadelphia Inspector General Amy Kurland. "The rules ensure that construction work will be done safely and honestly. We were pleased to have played a role in this investigation, and we look forward to working with our law enforcement partners to continue aggressively pursuing anyone who doesn’t play by the rules."

"The vast majority of city employees are good people who work hard each and every day to improve the city," said Philadelphia City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart. "However, there are a few bad actors who abuse their positions and the public’s trust. We cannot turn a blind eye to those individuals. They must be rooted out and held to account. Today’s announcement sends a clear message that these kinds of egregious actions won’t be tolerated."