ALBUQUERQUE – The gritty reality of federal corruption unfolded as William Badoni, 62, from Shiprock, NM, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for orchestrating a $1.5 million bid-rigging scheme against a Native American educational institution.
The fraudulent deals funneled about $1.5 million into Badoni’s coffers between 2016 and 2019. In return, he doled out kickbacks of around $50,000 in cash and checks, money siphoned from the illicit contracts.
Badoni further admitted to shuffling funds through bank accounts and cash withdrawals to mask his fraud. “This wasn’t just a financial crime, it was a betrayal of a community and its children,” U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison stated, underscoring the heinous nature of Badoni’s actions.
SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE JAMIE DePaepe echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that such sentences deter those who prey on federal programs supporting Native American educational institutions.
Badoni pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit federal program fraud, theft or bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, and money laundering. He will also serve up to three years of supervised release upon his release from prison. The court heard heart-wrenching testimony from community members affected by Badoni’s crime.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, the Department of the Interior’s Office of Inspector General, and IRS Criminal Investigation Denver Field Office announced the charges today. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco prosecuted the case.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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