Philadelphia, PA – A Brazilian national posing as another person to gain employment on a major infrastructure project has been sentenced following a federal investigation. Daniel Prodelick, also known as Wederson Roberto, was sentenced on October 25, 2013, in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to seven months time served, one year of supervised release, and a $100 fine for making false statements in a federal investigation.
The case stemmed from Prodelick’s employment with the Hercules Painting Company and Vimas Painting Company Joint Venture (HVJV), which was awarded a $42.7 million contract in April 2011 by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) to paint and restore the George Platt Bridge in Philadelphia. Prodelick, having entered the United States illegally, allegedly fabricated an identity – assuming the name “Wederson Roberto” – and provided a false Social Security number to secure his position as a foreman with HVJV.
Federal investigators discovered that Prodelick not only used the false identity for employment purposes, but also directed HVJV to submit certified payroll reports to both the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and PENNDOT containing the fraudulent name and Social Security number, as well as those of other workers he had recruited for the project. These reports are crucial for tracking project labor costs and ensuring compliance with federal funding regulations. The submission of false information constitutes a serious breach of trust and potential misuse of taxpayer funds.
The investigation gained momentum in August 2012 when agents executed search warrants at the HVJV project trailer in Philadelphia. Upon learning of the impending searches, Prodelick fled, evading authorities for several months. He was ultimately apprehended in Newark, New Jersey, in March 2013, bringing an end to his attempt to avoid prosecution. He was formally charged with making false statements on April 23, 2013, and subsequently pleaded guilty on June 25, 2013.
Statutes Violated and Penalties
Prodelick was found to have violated Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. § 1001, which prohibits knowingly and willfully making any false statement of material fact in any matter within the jurisdiction of the federal government. A conviction under this statute carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine. Prodelick received a lighter sentence of seven months time served, likely due to factors presented during sentencing such as acceptance of responsibility and cooperation with investigators.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Daniel Prodelick (aka Wederson Roberto)
- Crime: Making False Statements (18 U.S.C. § 1001)
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Year: 2014 (sentence imposed in 2013 regarding actions in 2011-2012)
- Contract Value: $42.7 million bridge painting project
- Agencies Involved: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT), DOT Office of Inspector General
- Penalty: 7 months time served, 1 year supervised release, $100 fine
This case highlights the importance of verifying employment eligibility and the potential for fraud within large-scale public works projects. The DOT Office of Inspector General continues to investigate such instances to safeguard federal funds and ensure the integrity of infrastructure development.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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