Two public works department employees of Dekalb County, Georgia accepted bribes from a contractor in exchange for allowing a $1.4 million sidewalk project to continue. The engineering supervisor and construction inspector also directed the contractor to bill for work not performed and over-bill the county, in exchange for part of the over-billed amount.
FBI Sting: Unbeknownst to the employees, the contractor contacted the FBI and the workers were arrested. On March 6, 2012 the workers were charged with extortion and bribery. If convicted in the pay-to-play scheme, the employees could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
More Information: Click here to read an article from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Lessons Learned: Checks and balances in the review and payment of invoices on public works projects is an important part of ensuring that the public's money is appropriately being disbursed.
Mike Purdy's Public Contracting Blog© 2012 by Michael E. Purdy Associates, LLChttp://PublicContracting.blogspot.com
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