Daniel Prodelick, Making False Statements, Pennsylvania 2013

Philadelphia, PA – A former foreman on a major bridge restoration project received a lenient sentence last year after admitting to a scheme involving false identities and fraudulent payroll reporting. Daniel Prodelick, also known as Wederson Roberto, was sentenced to seven months time served, one year of supervised release, and a $100 fine in October 2013, following a guilty plea in June of the same year.

The case stems from the $42.7 million contract awarded to the Hercules Painting Company and Vimas Painting Company Joint Venture (HVJV) by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) in April 2011. The contract covered the painting and restoration of the George Platt Bridge in Philadelphia, a project funded by the Department of Transportation. Prodelick, a Brazilian national who entered the United States illegally, allegedly created the false identity of “Roberto” to secure employment with HVJV.

Federal investigators discovered that Prodelick then facilitated the submission of falsified certified payroll reports to both the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and PENNDOT. These reports contained not only Prodelick’s fabricated name and social security number but also those of numerous other workers he reportedly recruited for the project. The fraudulent documentation was used to fulfill contractual obligations regarding worker identification and compensation.

The investigation gained momentum in August 2012 when agents executed search warrants at the HVJV project trailer in Philadelphia. Sensing exposure, Prodelick fled the area, attempting to evade authorities. He was ultimately apprehended in Newark, New Jersey, in March 2013, bringing an end to his months-long flight. The quick apprehension was aided by information gathered during the initial search of the project site.

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Legal Ramifications

Prodelick was formally charged on April 23, 2013, with making false statements, a violation of Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, Section 1001 (18 U.S.C. 1001). This statute prohibits knowingly and willfully making any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in any matter within the jurisdiction of the federal government. The potential penalties for a conviction under this statute can include fines and imprisonment for up to five years. In Prodelick’s case, the sentencing was considerably lighter than the maximum possible penalty.

Key Facts

Defendant: Daniel Prodelick (aka Wederson Roberto)
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Year: 2014 (Sentence issued in 2013, investigation spanned 2011-2013)
Crime: Making False Statements (18 U.S.C. 1001)
Contract Value: $42.7 million (George Platt Bridge restoration)
Sentence: 7 months time served, 1 year supervised release, $100 fine
Joint Venture: Hercules Painting Company & Vimas Painting Company (HVJV)

The relatively mild sentence has raised questions among some observers, given the scale of the fraudulent activity and the potential impact on legitimate workers and government funding. While Prodelick admitted guilt, the factors influencing the judge’s decision remain largely undisclosed. The case highlights the vulnerabilities within large-scale construction projects to identity theft and payroll fraud, and underscores the importance of rigorous vetting procedures for employees and subcontractors.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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