Ford City Businessman Pleads Guilty To Fraud Charges
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Armstrong County, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a two-count Information charging him with wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Michael Fullard, 51, of Apollo, Pa., pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Fullard was the President of Fullard Environmental Controls ("FEC") in Ford City, and that FEC performed demolition services in 2007 for the United States Department of the Navy in Beaufort, South Carolina. The Information alleged that Fullard, along with another person employed at FEC, defrauded the government by submitting false information to the Department of the Navy regarding the costs that were incurred by FEC to perform the demolition services. According to the Information, Fullard, through FEC, defrauded the government in the amount of approximately $772,701.10.
Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for Nov. 16, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General and Naval Criminal Investigative Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Fullard.
