February 09, 2006
The U.S. Dept. of Justice announced that Premio Inc. has agreed to plead guilty to fraud in the Federal E-Rate program. The company, which manufactures and sells computer equipment and software, will pay $1.7 million in criminal fines and civil restitution.
The criminal charge claimed that Premio rigged bids, substituted ineligible equipment, and submitted false documents.
The E-Rate program provides funding for Internet access and other telecommunications services to schools and libraries in financial need.
This is the latest development in the DOJ’s investigation into fraud in the E-Rate program. The Department’s February 6, 2006 press release has further details.