Investigations

On May 28, 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) debarred James Warner of Commerce Township, Michigan, from participating in Federal procurement and non-procurement transactions. Warner’s debarment is for a period of 3 years, beginning from the date of his conviction and sentencing on February 5, 2020.

 

On June 5, 2019, Warner, a former department manager in utilities and infrastructure at the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA), was convicted by a jury in U.S. District Court, Detroit, Michigan, for his role in a complex white-collar fraud scheme at the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). He was found guilty on 10 counts, including conspiracy, Federal program bribery, Federal program theft, money laundering, and obstruction of justice. These charges are all in connection with maintenance and repair contracts for runways and parking structures at DTW.

 

From 2003 through 2014, William A. Pritula & Sons, LLC (Pritula) held contracts for pavement repair, replacement, and similar work at DTW. With the knowledge of and permission from Pritula's owner, William Pritula, Warner created and submitted fraudulent invoices that indicated the company had performed work at DTW. In return, Pritula gave Warner kickbacks. From September 2010 through October 2014, Pritula received over $18 million from WCAA, and Warner received over $5 million of that amount.

 

William Pritula was previously charged, sentenced, and debarred by FAA for his role in the fraud scheme.

 

DOT-OIG conducted this investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.