DAVENPORT, IA – Robert W. Webster, 66, of Davenport, Iowa, is trading city work boots for prison shoes after being sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison on March 16, 2017. Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey handed down the sentence for conspiracy to bribe a public official, as well as 12 months and one day on each of two counts of bribery of a public official – all to run concurrently. The case, prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa, lays bare a scheme where taxpayer dollars were funneled into personal perks.
The sentencing follows Webster’s guilty plea on July 22, 2016, to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery dating back to as early as 2004 and extending until July of 2010, concerning programs receiving federal funds. He also pleaded guilty to two separate bribery counts from March 27, 2009, and September 18, 2009, also tied to federally funded programs. The feds weren’t buying Webster’s attempts to downplay his role, with Judge Jarvey specifically finding that Webster obstructed justice and failed to accept responsibility.
Webster, formerly the City of Bettendorf’s electrician, wasn’t accepting cash in brown paper bags – it was far more lavish. According to the written plea agreement, for years Webster received a steady stream of benefits from Brown Traffic Products (BTP), Inc., and its subsidiary Traffic Systems Solution Company. This wasn’t just a free lunch; it included travel, meals, drinks, entertainment, and even tickets to NASCAR events in Las Vegas and Chicago. Business conferences also served as a convenient cover for BTP’s influence peddling. The goal? To reward and influence Webster to steer city business their way.
The details are particularly damning. On March 27, 2009, Webster’s wife received a check for $2,700 to cover a trip fully funded by BTP. Then, on September 18, 2009, Webster himself enjoyed a round of golf in Gilbert, Arizona, courtesy of a BTP employee – a clear attempt to buy his favor. The investigation suggests this wasn’t a one-time occurrence, but a sustained effort to corrupt the bidding process. A $50,000 fine was levied against Webster, and he’ll face a three-year term of supervised release after he serves his time.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation, with full cooperation from the City of Bettendorf, suggesting the city itself was eager to root out the corruption. This case serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly minor public officials can become entangled in serious criminal activity, and that federal agencies are watching. The message is clear: trading public trust for personal gain comes with a steep price.
Judge Jarvey also ordered Webster to pay $300 in assessments. Those with information regarding similar cases of public corruption are encouraged to contact Rachel J. Scherle at 515-473-9300 or Rachel.Scherle@usdoj.gov. This is a Grimy Times exclusive. -END-
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Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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