Akron, Ohio – Federal prosecutors have expanded a major corruption case involving the U.S. Postal Service, adding a series of new and serious charges against a former employee accused of steering lucrative contracts in exchange for bribes. A Summit County man is now facing a wide range of federal accusations tied to what investigators describe as a highly coordinated scheme involving confidential bid information and millions of dollars in USPS contracts.
A superseding indictment filed on Feb. 4 charges Josef Ratcliff, 60, of Akron, with multiple offenses, including conspiracy to commit honest services mail and wire fraud, conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, honest services mail and wire fraud, extortion under color of official right, receipt of bribes by a federal official, and concealment money laundering. Ratcliff was first charged in July 2025 with receiving bribes, but the new indictment significantly broadens the scope of the case.
Alleged scheme tied to USPS contract awards
According to court records, Ratcliff worked as a purchasing and supply management specialist with the United States Postal Service. His job involved reviewing bids from contractors seeking USPS logistics work, including trucking and mail transportation services. Some of the contracts under review were worth more than $10 million.
Prosecutors allege Ratcliff had access to highly confidential bid information that was not supposed to be shared outside USPS. After reviewing bids, he would give recommendations to a contracting officer, recommendations that were typically followed. As a result, companies Ratcliff favored were awarded the contracts.
The superseding indictment claims Ratcliff conspired with business owners across the country, including companies based in Spokane, Washington; Las Vegas, Nevada; Raeford, North Carolina; Bronx, New York; and Middletown, New York. Several of the businesses allegedly had little or no prior experience in trucking or logistics. One was reportedly a chemical company, another focused on cellphone-related services, and one company was not formed until after its owner connected with Ratcliff.
Despite that lack of background, these businesses were allegedly guided to winning bids. In return, Ratcliff’s co-conspirators paid him thousands of dollars in bribes, delivered through checks, electronic transfers, and cash.
Bribes concealed through coded payments and phone calls
Court documents say many of the electronic payments were intentionally disguised. Transfer notes allegedly included phrases such as “car oil leak,” “birthday present for big boy,” or “pop rocks for little daddy.” Other payments were labeled simply as “happy birthday” or “rent.” In less than one year, six bribes were marked as birthday-related. One $3,500 payment was described as being for a “coffee maker and beans.” One co-conspirator alone is accused of sending 14 bribes totaling $38,900.
Prosecutors also say Ratcliff openly discussed the scheme during phone calls. He allegedly shared exact bid figures, including the lowest and second-lowest competing bids, and talked about plans to use bribe money to work on his car and buy a new home. Part of the alleged scheme involved helping co-conspirators obtain extensions on bid deadlines so Ratcliff could first provide full details about competing bids.
Investigators say Ratcliff even coached others on how to hide his involvement, instructing them to approach the contracting officer first before bringing him into the discussion. Later, as access to information began to shrink, Ratcliff allegedly warned that the scheme was nearing its end, saying, “what we doin’, this s–t is about to dry the f–k up” because the co-conspirator “won’t be able to get no information from me on” those contracts.
Co-conspirators and ongoing prosecution
Six co-conspirators have already been charged separately and all have pleaded guilty. Sentencing dates are scheduled for William Michael Clark of Las Vegas on April 7; Vakar Maniar of Raeford on April 21; Jilani Ahad and Rafeh Ahad on April 20; and Eric Asante Wiredu of Middletown, New York, on March 24. Zoma M. Shaikh of the Bronx is awaiting a sentencing date.
The investigation is being led by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Morrison for the Northern District of Ohio. Federal officials say the case underscores the risks posed when public trust and federal procurement systems are abused for personal gain.
