The FBI recently released declassified files online, including investigations into O.J. Simpson, the crash of Swissair Flight 111, and Russia’s election interference. Surprisingly, among these records was the late Orioles owner Peter Angelos.
Newly disclosed investigative files shed light on the FBI’s two investigations into Angelos during his lifetime. In the mid-1980s, federal authorities probed whether Angelos was involved in fraudulent activities related to a medical service company, leading to a search warrant at his Baltimore office. Despite grand jury subpoenas, no charges were filed.
In the late 1990s, Angelos faced a second FBI investigation over allegations of bribing a state senator, which also concluded without any charges. These revelations, detailed in nearly 400 pages of investigative records, provide insight into the life of a prominent figure in Baltimore.
Although both investigations yielded no charges, they offer a glimpse into Angelos’s past. His family sold the Orioles last year, and Angelos passed away in March at the age of 94.
On a broader scale, President Donald Trump’s directive to release records from historical assassinations has sparked renewed interest in public figures like Angelos. Known for his advocacy for asbestos-exposed steelworkers and his controversial ownership of the Orioles, Angelos left a lasting impact in Baltimore.
The FBI files revealed a complex narrative of Angelos’s involvement in a fraud investigation in the mid-1980s. The investigation stemmed from suspicions of fraudulent billing practices involving a medical company owned by Angelos, who allegedly used X-ray screenings to attract clients for asbestos-related lawsuits. Despite intense scrutiny, the case did not result in any charges.
In the late 1990s, Angelos faced scrutiny once again in a public corruption investigation. Allegations of campaign donations influencing legislative decisions surfaced, but the investigation concluded without charges being filed. Angelos’s reputation as a formidable litigator and his significant role in the Maryland tobacco lawsuit added layers to his legacy.
Despite controversies surrounding Angelos, his impact on Baltimore’s legal and sports landscape remains undeniable. The investigations into his activities offer a glimpse into the complexities of his career and contributions to the city.
In conclusion, the FBI’s investigations into Peter Angelos shed light on the complexities and controversies surrounding a prominent figure in Baltimore’s history. While the investigations did not result in any charges, they provide valuable insights into the life and career of a man who left a lasting impact on his community.