Tony Pedretti, Kickback Scheme, Missouri 2015
St. Louis Man Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for Kickback Scheme
Tony Pedretti, a 43-year-old resident of Whiting, Indiana, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for his role in a kickback scheme that ran from 2012 to 2015 at the John Cochran Veterans Administration Medical Center in St. Louis.
According to court documents, Pedretti conspired with Scott Geary, David Graham, and others to collect kickbacks for work done at the HVAC shop. The scheme involved Pedretti paying outside contractors up to $2500 without prior approval, with most jobs near that limit. As part of their agreement, Pedretti would receive a cash kickback for each job.
In all, Pedretti admitted to letting more than $270,000 in work to further the kickback scheme. He pled guilty in May 2017 and has now been sentenced for his crimes.
Scott Geary and David Graham have already pleaded guilty and been sentenced for their roles in the scheme. The case was investigated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of the Inspector General and the FDIC – Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Tom Albus is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Pedretti’s sentencing comes as a result of his involvement in a three-year-long kickback scheme that defrauded the VA Center. His prison sentence is a significant blow to those involved in the scheme.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and transparency in government contracting. Pedretti’s actions have had serious consequences, and he will now face the repercussions of his crimes.
Pedretti is currently serving his 20-month prison sentence for his role in the kickback scheme. His case is a sobering reminder of the importance of accountability in public institutions.
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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