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. Morris K. Lear pleaded guilty to misdemeanor count of an agreement to injure the business of another , received one year probation and 400 hours of community service. Lear agreed to refrain from bidding on any future petroleum tank inspection contracts with the State of Wisconsin
