Iron Workers official indicted in kickback scheme defrauding rebar crew

Sources: U.S. Department of Justice; CP staff

The Department of Justice Criminal Division has charged International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Union Local 201 Business Manager Juan Carlos Recinos with taking kickbacks from rebar crew members who had received backpay awards for work at the District of Columbia Water & Sewer Authority’s Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant.

A grand jury indictment alleges that on seven instances between April and September 2013, he induced “rodmen” from Iron Workers Local 201, Washington, D.C., to give him part of their $500 to $3,800 in cash awards—claiming payments were owed to an unnamed attorney. Recinos allegedly pocketed the money, in violation of the Copeland Anti-Kickback Act, which ensures that public works project employees receive all the wages to which they are entitled.

The Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section is pursuing the case in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Recinos’ indictment was announced by officials from the Departments of Justice and Labor.