Former Montco chief information officer files lawsuit alleging fraud, waste, and wrongdoing against the county.

A former chief information officer of Montgomery County, Anthony Olivieri, has filed a lawsuit alleging that his termination was directly linked to his requests for mental health accommodations, a claim that introduces broader allegations of misconduct involving county officials. The complaint states unequivocally that Olivieri’s job loss was a result of his accommodation requests, which he needed due to complications from anxiety and depression. This mental health struggle led to a leave of absence from November 2024 to January 2025, and although he returned to work, he reported continued mistreatment, culminating in his termination in July.

The lawsuit not only addresses Olivieri’s personal experience but also highlights serious allegations against the county government, including claims of “fraud, waste, and wrongdoing” by officials dating back to 2017. It is asserted that such allegations are crucial to understanding the hostile work environment that Olivieri faced and his subsequent dismissal.

In a statement regarding Olivieri’s lawsuit, a county spokesperson reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and integrity, adding that the county refrains from commenting on personnel matters or ongoing litigation.

Among the more significant allegations detailed in the lawsuit is the conduct of Dean Dortone, Montgomery County’s chief financial officer. According to the complaint, the county awarded nearly million to ePlus Inc., a provider of wireless communication systems, despite a competing firm offering superior technology solutions. The suit claims that Dortone, who previously worked at ePlus, manipulated the bidding process by allegedly sharing proprietary information with the company, enabling it to enhance its proposal. In return, he reportedly received “lavish trips and golf outings.”

Additionally, the complaint states that the financial officer continued to share budget information with ePlus after the contract was awarded, allowing the company to charge the county maximally, allegedly resulting in gross financial waste.

Olivieri’s accusations extend beyond contract mismanagement. He claims that in 2017, the county inadvertently transferred 0,000 to a fraudulent entity but concealed the incident to avoid public embarrassment. Furthermore, he contends the county falsely reported savings exceeding million related to a supposed overhaul of printing systems in 2024 and 2025, which he asserts did not occur.

These allegations paint a troubling picture of governance within Montgomery County, highlighting concerns regarding transparency and accountability. As the lawsuit unfolds, it will shed light on the implications of these claims for both Olivieri and the county’s administration.