Philadelphia, PA – Aurelio Rafael Martinez, also known as “Raffi,” was sentenced to one year in federal prison on September 18, 2015, following a guilty plea to charges stemming from a complex fraudulent employment scheme impacting multiple federally-funded infrastructure projects. The case, investigated by the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (OIG), revealed a deliberate effort by Martinez to circumvent legal employment requirements and secure work on high-profile projects.
Martinez, a painter contractor affiliated with the Alpha-Liberty Joint Venture, fraudulently obtained employment on the $74 million Girard Point Bridge project in Philadelphia, a critical component of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. From January 2010 through December 2012, investigators determined that Martinez knowingly provided false statements and utilized a fraudulent Social Security number to gain and maintain his position. The deception didn’t end there; Martinez extended his scheme to the $50 million 30th Street Station project in Philadelphia and the $31 million Bay Bridge project in Annapolis, Maryland.
The scheme began to unravel in September 2014 when Martinez fled the Bay Bridge work site in an attempt to evade arrest. However, he ultimately surrendered to federal agents several days later. The investigation quickly broadened, revealing the scope of his fraudulent activity across multiple states and projects. The use of a false identity not only defrauded employers but also potentially impacted legitimate workers and the integrity of the bidding process for these vital public works initiatives.
Environmental Impact & Related Charges
While the primary charges against Martinez revolved around employment fraud, the investigation also uncovered a related environmental violation on the Girard Point Bridge project. Walter Morgan, another individual involved in the project, previously pleaded guilty to a charge under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. § 703) for disturbing a peregrine falcon nest. Morgan received a one-month probation sentence and was ordered to pay a $10 special assessment. This highlights a pattern of disregard for both legal and environmental regulations on the project.
Legal Ramifications & Penalties
Martinez pleaded guilty in June 2015 to violating several federal statutes, including 18 U.S.C. 1001(a)(3) – False Statements; 08 U.S.C. 1326 (a) – Alien Harboring; 16 U.S.C. 703 – Unlawful Taking, Killing, or Possessing a Migratory Bird (through the related Morgan case); and 42 U.S.C. 408 (a)(7)(B) – False Statements Regarding Transportation Program. In addition to the 12-month prison sentence, Martinez was sentenced to three years of supervised release. The penalties reflect the seriousness of the offenses and the federal government’s commitment to prosecuting individuals who attempt to defraud public programs.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Aurelio Rafael Martinez (a.k.a. Raffi)
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Annapolis, Maryland
- Scheme Duration: January 2010 – December 2012
- Projects Impacted: Girard Point Bridge, 30th Street Station, Bay Bridge
- Fraudulent Activity: Use of false statements and a fraudulent Social Security number to obtain employment.
- Related Environmental Crime: Disturbance of a peregrine falcon nest on the Girard Point Bridge.
- Penalties: 12 months imprisonment, 3 years supervised release.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within large-scale infrastructure projects and the potential for individuals to exploit these systems for personal gain. Federal investigators continue to emphasize the importance of rigorous vetting processes and vigilant oversight to safeguard taxpayer dollars and ensure the integrity of these critical public works initiatives.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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