Judge Orders Former D.C. Employee Held

A former D.C. government employee arrested in connection with a kickback scheme has been ordered held without bond until his preliminary hearing.

Yusef Acar, until last week, was the acting Chief of Security for the Office of the Chief Technology Officer.  He is accused of defrauding the D.C. government out of at least $500,000.

In court on Tuesday, prosecutors told the judge that Acar had the know-how to flee the country and go back to his native Turkey, where he holds dual citizenship.

In a memorandum for detention, the government says:

"The schemes required, among other things, Acar to manipulate government paperwork, outwit and maneuver government financial controls, corrupt employees who worked for him, and maintain the cooperation of his co-conspirators despite their risk of apprehension. Acar was able to continue this complicated scheme for years without getting caught."

The defense argued Acar would not flee. He has four children from two marriages. But the judge disagreed, calling the government's case "overwhelming."

Included in its filing, the government also said:

"Mr. Acar personally approved or ordered each and every fraudulent purchase order, which were instrumental in carrying out these criminal schemes. He is recorded on tape directing and negotiating the terms of the schemes. Bank records show that he profited handsomely. He has admitted his involvement in the schemes... at least three other individuals involved in the conspiracy have given statements implicating Acar."

Acar is due back in court April 22 for a preliminary hearing.