DeWitt Maxwell was convicted of mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy for running a scheme to fraudulently obtain construction contracts reserved for disadvantaged businesses at Miami International Airport. He claimed his cross-examination rights were violated and the evidence was insufficient, but the appeals court upheld all convictions and his 60-month prison sentence. This case shows that federal courts take fraud in set-aside contract programs seriously and will enforce convictions even when defendants challenge the evidence and trial procedures.
Never misrepresent your company's disadvantaged business status to win set-aside contracts—federal prosecutors actively investigate and pursue these cases with serious penalties including prison time.