The Department of Justice has filed a complaint accusing an Ohio construction contractor and its owner of fraudulently obtaining HUBZone certification and HUBZone set-aside contracts.

According to a DOJ press release, the government is alleging that William Richardson, the owner of TAB Construction Co. Inc., made false statements regarding TAB’s principal office to obtain HUBZone certification, then used that certification to win millions of dollars in HUBZone set-aside contracts.

The DOJ contends that TAB originally obtained HUBZone certification in 2000 after Richardson informed the SBA that TAB’s principal office was located in a HUBZone, even though no employees actually worked out of the office.  According to the DOJ, shortly after claiming that TAB’s principal office was in a HUBZone, Richardson stated under oath in separate litigation that the principal office was actually located elsewhere.

Like many such DOJ actions, the case against TAB arises from a whistleblower lawsuit filed under the False Claims Act.  The DOJ press release does not identify the whistleblower.

As with all criminal defendants, TAB and Richardson are presumed innocent and are entitled to their day in court.  I’ll keep you posted.