Kevin Schuler, a former executive with Buffalo, N.Y. general contractor LPCiminelli, pleaded guilty to fraud and conspiracy for his part in an alleged bid-rigging scheme.
The scheme reportedly helped his former employer win a $750 million contract related to the Buffalo Billion development program. Prosecutors claim that Schuler and two other LPCiminelli executives, Louis Ciminelli and Michael Laipple, and other individuals related to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's economic initiative, rigged the bid process in favor of LPCiminelli and other contractors.
The executives allegedly made bribes paid to former Cuomo aide Todd Howe and one other individual. Former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara alleged that LPCiminelli received the multimillion-dollar SolarCity construction contract in return for bribes that were disguised as consultant fees to Howe, who had influence over contract awards.
The fallout from the criminal charges has reportedly cost LPCiminelli $4 billion in contracts from other customers. As a result, the company has stopped functioning as a general contractor and has refocused on program management and development.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2019
Study compares labor hours for various low-slope roofing options
Type of roof covering, project parameters, tool management, and crew efficiency all impact profitability.
Codes and Standards | Dec 20, 2018
New York’s ‘Scaffold Law’ under fire for driving up project costs
Lawmakers under pressure to reform law that makes contractors 100% liable for work-site injuries.
Codes and Standards | Dec 19, 2018
Guidance for water utilities on indoor recycled water use released
Provides recommended ranges on 13 different parameters of water quality.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2018
Development in Africa, Asia, and uptake in air conditioning will require more efficient buildings
Dramatic action will be needed for global building sector to cut carbon in line with international agreements.
Codes and Standards | Dec 14, 2018
Emissions for buildings and construction have peaked, UN says
Greener buildings have led to leveling off of GHGs.
Codes and Standards | Dec 13, 2018
Urban flooding causing economic loss, social disruption, and housing inequality
Extensive suburban development, aging and poorly maintained infrastructure, and more intense rainfall mean more flooding.
Codes and Standards | Dec 12, 2018
California’s transportation problems could prevent state from reaching carbon reduction goals
Governor’s carbon neutral-by-2045 ambitions at odds with car culture.
Codes and Standards | Dec 11, 2018
Strict seismic building codes credited with minimizing damage in Alaskan earthquake
Magnitude 7.0 temblor cracked roads and collapsed road ramps, but buildings held up well.
Codes and Standards | Dec 7, 2018
Florida tops ABC’s 2018 Merit Shop Scorecard rankings
Michigan rose fastest after passing prevailing wage law.
Codes and Standards | Dec 6, 2018
North American steel yields lower GHG emissions than Chinese steel
North American construction steel saves about half of GHG emissions on building project.
