KANSAS CITY, MO – A brazen scheme to siphon off over $335 million in federal contracts intended for minority and veteran-owned businesses culminated today with Patrick Michael Dingle, 51, of Parkville, Missouri, sentenced to eight years in federal prison. Dingle wasn’t just skimming profits; he was actively stealing opportunities from those who’d earned them, all while dodging taxes.
U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark didn’t mince words, ordering Dingle to forfeit $4,659,061 – the full extent of his ill-gotten gains. Beyond the prison sentence, Dingle must also pay $615,847 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and $82,704 to the Missouri Department of Revenue, finally facing the consequences of years of deception.
The fraud revolved around Zieson Construction Company, located in North Kansas City. Dingle, the operations manager, and his co-conspirator Matthew C. McPherson, 46, of Olathe, Kansas, manipulated the system, using Stephon Ziegler, 61, of Weatherby Lake – an African-American service-disabled veteran – as a figurehead owner. While Ziegler’s name was on the paperwork, Dingle and McPherson were the ones truly pulling the strings, securing contracts meant for legitimate small businesses.
“This defendant pocketed millions of dollars in profits that should have gone to firms led by disabled veterans and minority owners,” stated U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “He not only stole contracts from those firms, he cheated on his taxes and thus stole from honest citizens by not paying his fair share.” The sentiment was echoed by investigators from multiple agencies, all highlighting the damage done to both businesses and public trust.
The Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, through its Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), played a key role in unraveling the scheme. Special Agent in Charge Michael Mentavlos emphasized the impact on the procurement process: “The defendant’s actions impacted small business owners and veterans, hindered economic welfare and undermined the public’s faith in programs intended to help those who need them.” The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and the IRS Criminal Investigation also contributed to the investigation, demonstrating a united front against such fraud.
Dingle pleaded guilty on September 13, 2021, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and major program fraud, and one count of filing a false tax return. This case serves as a stark reminder that exploiting programs designed to aid veterans and minorities will not be tolerated, and that those who attempt to evade taxes will ultimately face justice. McPherson and Ziegler’s involvement is still under investigation and may face charges at a later date.
Related Federal Cases
- Albert Davis, Wire Fraud, Kansas City, MO, 2023 · Kansas
- Russell Hopkins, Securities Fraud Conspiracy, Kansas City MO, 2023 · Kansas
- Lisa Kaye Barwick-Majeski, Nigerian Fraud Scheme, MO, 2023 · Kansas
- Kalena Latoya Winston, Tax Return Fraud Scheme, Killeen TX, 2016 · Tennessee
- Christopher Hanson Sentenced for $1.1M Investment Fraud, Springfiel… · Kansas
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News