Connecticut Contractor Charged with Paying Bribes

BOSTON – A Connecticut man was charged in connection with paying bribes to receive contracts for work at three collegiate institutions, including one located in Massachusetts.

Stephen Dinapoli, 40, of Wilton, Conn., was indicted on one count of conspiracy and two counts of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. Dinapoli was arraigned in federal court in Springfield this afternoon.

According to the indictment, Dinapoli was the principal of Big East Environmental, an environmental consulting firm, from 2013 to 2019. Floyd Young held positions involving facility maintenance at three collegiate institutions, including one located in Massachusetts. It is alleged that Young steered contracts for construction, repair, maintenance, and other work for the collegiate institutions to favored contractors, including Dinapoli, who paid him bribes, typically in the amount of 15% of the contract. Dinapoli allegedly paid bribes to Young in cash during face-to-face meetings. In addition, as Dinapoli received payment for work done at the collegiate institution, he paid Young bribes on a periodic basis.

Young was previously charged with conspiracy to receive bribes by agent of organization receiving federal funds, and is scheduled to plead guilty on Aug. 31, 2020.

On the charge of conspiracy, Dinapoli faces a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. For each count of paying bribes, Dinapoli faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.