Lady Justice
In an ongoing investigation, four individuals along with one company have admitted guilt in connection with bid-rigging schemes across central Florida.
Glenn Bailey and Douglas Sutter each entered guilty pleas in the Middle District of Florida for their involvement in a conspiracy aimed at stifling competition by manipulating bids on commercial roofing projects, violating the Sherman Act, on January 8 and 9, respectively. Kenneth Cody and Christopher Rakos followed suit, pleading guilty to the same charges on October 3 and December 6, 2024, respectively. Additionally, Service Works of Fort Lauderdale LLC also pleaded guilty to these charges on October 3, 2024, and received sentencing on January 6.
The plea agreements reveal that all defendants willingly participated in a conspiracy to restrict trade by rigging bids for commercial roofing services in the Middle District of Florida. These services encompassed the installation and repair of both flat and sloped roofs for various commercial and other facilities. The manipulated bids affected numerous projects, including roofing work for schools, places of worship, condominiums, and retail establishments.
“Safe, affordable roofing is critical to Florida communities that are prone to hurricanes and other harsh weather conditions,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Doha Mekki of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The guilty pleas secured today further demonstrate our commitment to protecting the competitive bidding process that is essential to constructing and maintaining America’s infrastructure.”
“These individuals thought they could game the system and would not get caught. They were wrong,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge John Carlo of the Department of Education Office of Inspector General (OIG)’s Eastern Regional Office. “The OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue those who misappropriate education funds for their own selfish purposes. America’s taxpayers and students deserve nothing less.”
