Summary

The Vinton Construction Company (Vinton), Manitowoc, WI, and owners, James and Michael Maples, plead guilty before a U.S. District Court judge in Green Bay, WI to charges of bid-rigging on approximately $100 million in federally-funded highway contracts from about 1997 until January 13, 2004. A suspension issued in January 2004 for Vinton remains in effect, and sentencing has been set for December 22, 2004. Another firm, Streu Construction Co. and its owners were also charged in this matter, and plead guilty on September 20, 2004. This is one of the largest DOT fraud cases in Wisconsin. The investigation is being conducted jointly with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of WI, with assistance from FHWA.