PORTLAND, OREGON - Karin J. Immergut, the United States Attorney for the District of Oregon, announced today that an indictment was returned by a federal grand jury charging Jane G. Selby, 48, of Tigard, Oregon with Wire Fraud, Conflict of Interest, Soliciting Something of Value in Connection With a Federal Program, False Statements, Obstruction of a Proceeding, and Tampering with a Witness. Selby is an employee of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).
The charges stem from a federal investigation by the Department of Energy Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation into Selby’s conduct as an employee of BPA and her relationship with a now-defunct contractor named Knowmadic which sold software and software related services to BPA. The indictment alleges that while employed by BPA, Jane Selby solicited Knowmadic to hire her husband as a salesman, and thereafter used her influence at BPA to advocate for expanded use of the contractor’s software products. The indictment further alleges that despite a conflict of financial interest, Selby participated in matters related to BPA’s use of Knowmadic software as part of a scheme to defraud BPA. The indictment also alleges that Selby made false statements in connection with this conflict of interest, attempted to obstruct the investigation, and tampered with a witness.
The indictment charges five counts in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, Wire Fraud, one count each of Program Fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 666, Conflict of Interest, 18 U.S.C. § 208, False Statement, 18 U.S.C. § 1001, Obstruction of a Proceeding, 18 U.S.C. § 1505, and Tampering with a Witness, 18 U.S.C. § 1512. Each count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine, except for Program Fraud and Tampering with a Witness, which each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
A criminal indictment is only an allegation and not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Selby could face imprisonment and a fine depending on judicial findings under the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Selby is scheduled to appear in federal court in Portland on June 30, 2005 at 1:30 PM for arraignment on the charges.
Questions may be directed to Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Caldwell at (503) 727-1000 who is handling the prosecution.
