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 | Oct 5, 2016
New York becomes the first city to adopt a target for energy storage
Mayor de Blasio also announces increased solar generation goals
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2016
New global residential floor space measurement standard unveiled
The new standards will produce better transparency and are said to benefit investors.
Codes and Standards | Sep 29, 2016
Dept. of Energy forecasts big jump in LED use, resulting energy savings
Big gains are expected in both commercial and residential markets.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2016
San Francisco commercial, multifamily regulations aim to reduce traffic volume
City planners will require design features to cut miles driven.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2016
Society of Landscape Architects releases guide to resilient design
The goal is to retrofit communities to better withstand extreme weather events.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2016
Washington State Energy Code updates include dedicated outdoor air system requirements
The updates will change design approach to HVAC.
Codes and Standards | Sep 22, 2016
Construction firms pulling back from federal market due to new reporting rules
‘Subjective, very vague’ policies are said to create too much risk.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2016
Airbnb presents legal liability for multifamily owners
How building owners can reduce risks.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2016
Healthy buildings becoming a key design priority for both architects and building owners
Nationwide survey finds nearly three of four architects cite health impacts influencing design decisions
Data Centers | Sep 19, 2016
New ANSI/ASHRAE data center standard is performance-based, more flexible
The aim of the standard was to ‘not stifle innovation.’
