In the latest charge resulting from a federal investigation of Baltimore's Housing Authority, a Pittsburgh construction company owner has been accused of conspiring to bribe housing officials, the U.S. attorney announced yesterday.
David F. Graciano, an owner of Classic Construction Inc., was charged with converting corporate funds to cash used to bribe former authority project engineer John L. Dutkevich between 1990 and 1993. Company representatives gave Dutkevich $16,000 and paid for a 1991 trip to a Florida golf resort, according to U.S. Attorney Lynne A. Battaglia.
Mr. Graciano was the sixth person charged in connection with the bribery investigation. If convicted, he could be sentenced to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Dutkevich pleaded guilty in January to accepting more than $25,000 in bribes from contractors in exchange for influencing contracts for repairs and renovations in the city's public housing developments. He is serving an 18-month prison sentence.
Classic President Michael E. Wilson pleaded guilty two weeks ago for his role in the bribery conspiracy.
In August, Charles Morris, a former management analyst who determined contractors' eligibility, admitted accepting $22,000 in cash, gifts and services from contractors.
Two contractors also have pleaded guilty to conspiring to bribe the Housing Authority officials.
Further charges are expected in the case, according to a statement by the U.S. attorney's office. The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. attorney, the FBI and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.