Timothy Baugher, a former senior executive at Asphalt Specialists LLC, was sentenced to six months in prison and fined $20,000 for his role in a conspiracy to rig bids for asphalt paving contracts in Michigan. Baugher pleaded guilty to conspiring with F. Allied Construction Company and other employees to manipulate bid prices, ensuring that the losing company would submit intentionally non-competitive bids.

The conspiracy, which lasted from July 2017 to May 2021, aimed to create a false impression of competition among bidders. Baugher’s actions were part of a larger investigation that has already seen multiple individuals and companies charged, including ASI, which was fined $6.5 million.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi emphasized the seriousness of bid rigging, stating that such actions undermine the integrity of competition. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General also highlighted the commitment to holding violators accountable and dismantling fraudulent schemes in the industry.

As part of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation, seven individuals have been charged, and the total criminal fines imposed so far exceed $8.1 million. The case is being prosecuted by the Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office, with support from various federal investigative agencies.