Ralph Groen, Obstruction Of Justice, New York 2016

A shocking case of corporate corruption has come to light in North Carolina, where a former executive of Coach USA Inc. has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for attempting to conceal and destroy documents relevant to a civil antitrust investigation and for providing false and misleading statements during the course of civil antitrust litigation.

Ralph Groen, a former vice president of information technology for Coach, was ordered to serve his sentence and pay a $5000 criminal fine. Groen pleaded guilty to corruptly obstructing, influencing and impeding a civil antitrust investigation and subsequent litigation brought by the United States and State of New York on Oct. 14, 2016.

According to court documents, Groen directed his subordinates to recall, conceal and destroy end-of-month backup tapes containing emails that were relevant and responsive to the litigation. Additionally, court documents revealed that Groen provided false and misleading information to Coach’s investigators and to the United States during the course of a deposition taken as part of the litigation.

The civil litigation, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, related to the New York City hop-on, hop-off tour bus market and challenged Coach’s and City Sights LLC’s formation of the Twin America LLC joint venture in 2009. On Nov. 17, 2015, the district court entered a final judgment requiring Coach and City Sights to pay $7.5 million in disgorgement and to make divestitures to address the competitive harm alleged in the division’s lawsuit.

The investigation into obstruction of justice was conducted by the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal I Section and the FBI’s Washington Field Office. If you have information on price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct, contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258, visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html or call the FBI’s Washington Office at 202-278-2000.

The case highlights the severe consequences of corporate corruption and the importance of transparency in business dealings. It serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, and those who attempt to conceal or destroy evidence will face the full force of justice.

Groen’s sentence is a significant blow to Coach USA Inc. and serves as a warning to other corporations engaging in similar practices. The case also underscores the importance of cooperation with law enforcement and the consequences of obstructing justice.

The investigation into Groen’s actions is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies and their commitment to upholding the law. It is a victory for those who seek transparency and accountability in business dealings.

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