Four executives and a concrete company have been sentenced for their roles in a multi-year conspiracy to manipulate the ready-mix concrete market in the Savannah, Georgia area. The individuals and Evans Concrete LLC were found guilty of fixing prices, rigging bids, and allocating jobs, impacting residential, commercial, and public construction projects.
The conspiracy, which ran from 2010 to 2016, involved coordinating price increases, dividing up concrete jobs, and submitting non-competitive bids. This illegal activity artificially inflated prices and stifled fair competition in the concrete market.
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Sentences handed down:
- Gregory Hall Melton: 41 months in prison, $50,000 fine
- John David Melton: 26 months in prison, $10,000 fine
- Timothy “Bo” Strickland: 5 months in prison, $150,000 fine
- James Clayton Pedrick: 1 year of probation
- Evans Concrete LLC: $2.7 million fine
Another company involved, Argos USA LLC, admitted to its role in the conspiracy and paid a $20 million penalty as part of a deferred prosecution agreement.
This case highlights the serious consequences of anti-competitive behavior. Authorities emphasized their commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring fair markets, especially for essential materials like concrete. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the FBI, the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General.
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