D.C. traffic camera contracts under review after CEO pleads guilty to bribing officials

WASHINGTON (WJLA) -- The former CEO of a company that operates traffic cameras in D.C. has pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges. Now, after a 7 On Your Side investigation, that company’s contracts with D.C. will be reviewed.

For the last three years, Redflex Traffic Systems has operated traffic cameras for the Metropolitan Police. But now the way those contracts were issued has come into question.

Karen Finley is the former CEO on Redflex, a company that operates traffic cameras nationally. Two weeks ago in Ohio, she pleaded guilty to conspiring to bribe elected public officials in return for contracts.

“This is the first I’m hearing of this,” said Phil Mendelson, the Chairman of D.C. City Council – a position he held in 2012 when the city entered into this three-year, $4.5 million contract with Redflex.

Mendelson doesn’t recall any red flags when the contract was issued. But says it’s time to revisit it, especially since Finley was CEO at the time.

“I think the government should look at the contract,” added Mendelson.

Redflex’s problems extend beyond Ohio. The City of Chicago terminated its contract with the company after a federal grand jury in 2014 issued a 23-count indictment claiming the company paid city officials in exchange for $124 million in public contracts.

“I don’t recall, personally, getting any contributions [from Redflex],” concluded Mendelson.

During this investigation, 7 On Your Side did not find any clear evidence that Redflex contributed to D.C. officials prior to being awarded its contract.

But Mayor Muriel Bowser and former Mayor Vincent Grey were each given $2,000 in 2014 by Redflex’s main competition – the company’s contract is up in October.

We reached out to Redflex. The company did not comment.