Asphalt Specialists LLC, based in Pontiac, Michigan, has been ordered to pay a $6.5 million criminal fine for its involvement in conspiracies to rig bids for asphalt paving contracts in the state.
The company admitted to conspiring with two other companies, Al’s Asphalt Paving Company Inc. and F. Allied Construction Company Inc., to manipulate bid prices, creating a false impression of competition and predetermining contract winners.
“When companies choose to cheat rather than compete, they can expect to pay substantial, punitive criminal fines,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Manish Kumar of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will not hesitate in our shared mission to ensure those who violate the antitrust laws do not benefit from their crimes, particularly when those crimes affect critical infrastructure for our country.”
“The sentence imposed today should serve as a significant deterrent for anyone who chooses corporate greed over open and fair competition for transportation projects,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Licari Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG), Midwestern Region. “Our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners and the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division is unwavering as we continue to pursue and uncover corrupt conduct and hold companies that intentionally engage in wrongdoing accountable.”
Read: Michigan Woman Pleads Guilty To Impersonating Health Professional, Witness Intimidationgan
This sentencing sends a strong message about the consequences of anti-competitive behavior. The Department of Justice, along with the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, are committed to ensuring fair competition and holding companies accountable for violating antitrust laws.
Asphalt Specialists LLC is one of several companies and individuals charged as part of an ongoing federal investigation into the asphalt paving industry.
In a statement to the Tampa Free Press, a spokesperson for ASI said, ““ASI takes full responsibility for the unacceptable conduct in question. These past activities, which ended more than three years ago, are inconsistent with our core values and policies — which we have since strengthened through a new code of conduct and more rigorous compliance protocols. We are pleased to put this matter behind us and move forward with a clear focus on serving our customers in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.”
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.