CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — Federal prosecutors have charged former Catawba County Director of Utilities and Engineering Barry Bryan Edwards with using his official position for personal gain, according to a filed bill of information. Three weeks after charges were filed, Edwards formally pleaded guilty.
Court records outline an alleged scheme stretching from 2012 through 2018 to secure bribes and kickbacks in return for contract approval.
Edwards was charged with wire fraud, according to court records. Prosecutors said he solicited and received gifts and other valuable items from an unnamed contractor, "consisting primarily of tickets to sporting events, wine-tasting tours, expensive meals for Edwards and sometimes his wife, and cases of wine."
A list of roughly $30,000 worth of gifts and benefits received include tickets to Major League Baseball games, Disney World and meals, lodging and tours.
Court records allege when the contractor was providing trips and other things of value to Edwards, that contractor "was also negotiating with the County, usually through the defendant, and was able to obtain contracts on behalf of the companies with which he was affiliated."
Prosecutors argue those benefits influenced Edwards' "conduct in the performance of his official duties."
WCNC Charlotte is always asking "where's the money?" If you need help, reach out to the Defenders team by emailing money@wcnc.com.
The unidentified contractor in the case worked for three different companies during the timeframe, including a consulting company headquartered in Huntersville, North Carolina, according to court records.
Edwards' federal court file lists a plea agreement but does not give the public access to that document.
A spokesperson for the Western District of North Carolina U.S. Attorney's Office told WCNC Charlotte Edwards has signed a plea agreement agreeing to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and is expected to appear before a federal judge in the coming days to formally enter his guilty plea. He did so on Feb. 23, and now faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Catawba County named a new director in August 2019.
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