A senior executive from a Michigan-based asphalt paving company has admitted to his involvement in two separate bid-rigging conspiracies. David A. Coppola, vice president of Al’s Asphalt Paving Company Inc., based in Taylor, Michigan, entered a guilty plea today for conspiring with Asphalt Specialists LLC (ASI), F. Allied Construction Company Inc. (Allied), and their employees to manipulate bids for asphalt paving services contracts within the state.
Court documents reveal that Coppola was involved in these conspiracies from March 2013 through November 2018 and from June 2013 through June 2019. This plea marks the ninth admission of guilt in an ongoing investigation by the Antitrust Division into collusion within Michigan's asphalt paving industry. Previously, Al’s Asphalt and its president confessed to similar charges in January, while Allied and ASI, along with several executives, pleaded guilty last year. In July, Al’s Asphalt was fined $795,661.31.
The conspirators allegedly coordinated bid prices so that predetermined losing companies would submit intentionally non-competitive bids, misleading customers about the level of competition.
"Americans expect and deserve the benefits of competitive markets — including for vital aspects of our transportation infrastructure like asphalt paving services," stated Emma M. Burnham, Director of Criminal Enforcement at the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. "The division and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold accountable executives who seek to profit at the expense of consumers."
Anthony Licari, Acting Special Agent in Charge of DOT OIG’s Midwestern Region, emphasized their commitment: "Today’s guilty plea shows our commitment to bringing to justice those who engage in illegal and unfair practices that adversely impact transportation projects."
Kenneth Cleevely from the USPS Office of Inspector General added: "Activities related to bid-rigging and collusion do not promote an environment conducive to open competition which harms the consumer."
The case was investigated by the Antitrust Division's Chicago Office alongside Inspectors General for both DOT and USPS as part of a broader effort targeting anti-competitive conduct in the industry.
Individuals with information regarding this investigation are encouraged to contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.
