ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Special Agent Dylan Johnson said he wasn’t looking for accolades when he helped uncover a $3.9 million fraud scheme, but his efforts were still celebrated last month at the U.S. Attorney’s Public Service Awards.
“This annual recognition of our law enforcement partners is truly one of my favorite events each year,” said Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, in a statement. “This event allows us to share with these dedicated public servants our appreciation for their efforts. The gratitude we express here and now is the gratitude we hold each day.”
In total, the U.S. Attorney’s Office honored officers and agents from 56 federal, state and local agencies for their achievements in criminal and civil cases across the Eastern District of Virginia. Ceremonies were held Sept. 4 in Alexandria, Sept. 16 in Richmond, Sept. 25 in Newport News and Sept. 26 in Norfolk.
Among those recognized was Johnson, a Procurement Fraud investigator at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, where he is assigned to PF Det. 6 OL-A. Although based in Massachusetts, Johnson aided the Virginia case to ensure operations within the region were effectively managed.
“I’ve been in AFOSI for five years,” Johnson said. “In my first assignment, I was the ‘Base Level Fraud Guy,’ handling fraud cases at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. Two years ago, I moved to Hanscom as a Procurement Fraud agent.”
Building on these experiences, Johnson has honed his expertise in fraud investigations.
The case that earned Johnson recognition involved uncovering that QuarterLine Consulting Services, LLC, and its parent company, Planned Systems International, Inc. (PSI), falsely claimed to be a women-owned small business (WOSB) to secure a Defense Health Agency contract.
Even after being acquired by PSI, QuarterLine continued to misrepresent its eligibility, securing a task order to provide physician services at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas—an award meant for disadvantaged, women-owned businesses.
The joint investigation began with a whistleblower lawsuit filed under the False Claims Act and concluded with a $3.9 million settlement in Jan. 2024. The success of the case relied on cooperation between multiple agencies, including the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the General Services Administration.
“Joint investigations improve effectiveness, build relationships and enhance communication between agencies,” he said.
For Johnson, bringing individuals to justice is better than any award. However, he added that receiving the recognition shows the value of collaborating across federal and civilian law enforcement.
“Though new to procurement fraud investigations, Dylan’s energy and enthusiasm have made an immediate impact at PF Det 6 OL-A, achieving far reaching results and garnering national recognition,” said Special Agent William Richards, OSI PF Det. 6 Special Agent in Charge. “It is efforts like his that helped secure a record $1 billion in financial recoveries for PF last year. On behalf of all of PF Det 6, we could not be prouder!”
Throughout his career, Johnson has earned several other medals and awards, including the Air and Space Commendation Medal, but this latest one highlights his commitment to protecting the integrity of government contracting.
"Dylan’s efforts reflect the skills and dedication our PF agents use when protecting government resources,” said Jason Hein, OSI PF director. “His recognition by the U.S. Attorney’s Office also highlights how important interagency collaboration is to uncovering the truth and achieving justice."