Case Details

Year Initiated/Committed

1999

Year Resolved

1999

Lead State

WI

Participating States

Defendant(s)

Independent Inspections

Offenses

misdemeanor, agreement to injure the business of another

Sentence Imposed

$500 fine, $40,000 costs, barred from contracting

Case Description

The defendants operated businesses that conducted inspections of flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks. The tank inspections were required under federal law. The complaint alleged that in anticipation of submitting bids for new contracts, the defendants agreed not to compete for business in each other’s territories in order to avoid a bidding war. Independent Inspections, Ltd. (99-CF-1369) agreed to refrain from bidding on any petroleum tank inspection contracts with State of Wis until April 13, 2002; found corporation guilty after no contest plea. $500 fine and $40,000 costs.