WASHINGTON (7News) — Bridgette Crowell, a former D.C. contract manager, was sentenced to seven months in prison Monday for her role in a corruption scheme that steered city contracts to favored companies in exchange for cash and luxury items.
Crowell admitted to using her position in the District’s Office of Contracting and Procurement to award contracts to her associates' businesses, receiving thousands of dollars in cash and a Ford Bronco as compensation.
The U.S. Attorney argued Crowell’s case exemplifies the need for greater oversight and accountability in the capital’s contracting system. During sentencing, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan said deterrence was a key factor in her sentence.
"The message has to be sent, if you steal from the city, you’re going to be prosecuted and there are going to be consequences," Chutkan said.
Along with the seven-month prison sentence, Crowell was ordered to repay $100,000 to D.C. taxpayers and forfeit the Ford Bronco she received as part of the deal.
Judge Chutkan pointed out that both taxpayers and city employees are victims in these schemes—taxpayers lose money, while honest city workers see their reputations tainted by corruption. The judge stressed that accountability is necessary to restore public trust.
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