New Jersey Firm Charged for Fraud in Newark Lead Pipe Replacement

JAS Group Enterprise executives indicted for allegedly falsifying work on a $10.2 million contract to replace lead pipes in Newark.

Federal prosecutors charged Michael Sawyer and Latronia Sanders with conspiracy to commit wire fraud for not replacing lead pipes as contracted.
JAS Group Enterprise allegedly submitted false photographs and documents to claim payment for work not performed.
Investigations revealed that crews were instructed to polish existing copper pipes to appear newly installed.
Out of 400 sites audited, only 33 were found to still contain lead pipes, which have since been replaced.
If convicted, Sawyer and Sanders face up to 20 years in prison and significant financial penalties.