Investigations
FAA Suspends Michigan Airport Employee and Contractor
On September 20, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suspended James Warner, William Pritula, and Pritula’s company, William A. Pritula and Sons, LLC, from participating in Federal non-procurement and procurement transactions. Pritula’s company is based in Romulus, Michigan.
On May 22, 2018, the U.S. District Court in Detroit, Michigan, charged Pritula, with bribery. On May 23, 2018, the same court charged Warner—a former department manager in utilities and infrastructure at the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA)—with conspiracy, theft from a federally funded program, Federal program bribery, money laundering, and obstruction of justice. FAA provides funding for airport improvement projects to WCAA, which operates and manages the Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW).
From 2010 through 2014, Warner’s duties included field inspection and supervision of maintenance and repair projects at DTW. He also had authority to recommend and approve the continuation of maintenance and repair contracts at WCAA. From 2003 through 2014, Pritula held contracts for pavement repair and replacement and similar work at DTW. The indictments alleged that, with Pritula’s knowledge and permission, Warner created and submitted fraudulent invoices that indicated Pritula’s company had performed work at DTW. In return, Pritula provided kickbacks to Warner. From September 2010 through October 2014, Pritula’s company received over $18 million from WCAA, and Warner received over $5 million of that amount.
DOT-OIG is conducting this investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s assistance.
Note: A suspension or debarment frequently covers a specific period of time. Please consult the System for Award Management to determine whether a company or individual is currently suspended or debarred.