Donald R. Taylor, Construction Scheme, Pennsylvania 2012

In a shocking case of corporate deceit, Donald R. Taylor, the 76-year-old owner of Century Steel Erectors (CSE), a construction company based in the Western District of Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering.

According to the indictment, which was returned on November 17, Taylor and unknown co-conspirators allegedly used the name and registration information of West Mifflin Construction Company (WMCC), a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), to obtain contracts for services. WMCC’s DBE status allowed CSE, a non-DBE, to secure work that it would otherwise be ineligible for.

The scheme, which lasted from January 2012 to February 2014, allegedly enabled CSE to acquire millions of dollars in contracts that it would not have been able to obtain otherwise. The indictment charges Taylor with 14 counts of conspiracy to defraud the United States, wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering.

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Jonathan B. Ortiz are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission conducted the investigation that led to Taylor’s indictment.

Under the law, Taylor faces a total sentence of not more than 215 years in prison, a fine of $300,000, or both. The actual sentence will be determined by the court based on the seriousness of the offense and Taylor’s prior criminal history, if any.

Taylor’s alleged scheme has raised questions about the integrity of the construction industry and the use of DBE status to secure contracts. The case is a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in all business dealings.

Donald R. Taylor, Real Full Name: Donald R. Taylor, Age: 76, Occupation: Owner and Operator of Century Steel Erectors, City and State: Eighty Four, PA, Charges: Conspiracy to defraud the United States, wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering, Indictment Date: November 17, Sentence: Up to 215 years in prison, fine of $300,000, or both.

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