A federal jury in Oklahoma City has found Sioux Erosion Control Inc., along with its part-owner and vice president BG Dale Biscoe and employee Randall David Shelton, guilty of participating in a five-year price-fixing conspiracy. This scheme targeted over $100 million in publicly funded transportation construction contracts across Oklahoma.

The evidence presented during the trial revealed that the defendants conspired with competitors in the erosion control industry to artificially inflate prices for products and services from September 2017 to April 2023. Their actions included raising prices for sod and allocating contracts across different regions in Oklahoma, as well as submitting intentionally high bids or refusing to bid on certain projects.

Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. emphasized the importance of fair competition in taxpayer-funded contracts, stating that the Justice Department is committed to protecting public funds and holding accountable those who engage in illegal activities for personal gain. The prosecution of these individuals highlights the ongoing efforts to combat collusion in government procurement.

In total, six individuals and one company were charged in connection with this conspiracy, with four others having previously pleaded guilty and awaiting sentencing. The maximum penalties for the convicted individuals include up to 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine, while the corporation could face a fine of up to $100 million.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, with the case being prosecuted by attorneys from the Antitrust Division.