Bovis Lend Lease exec gets probation after admitting to fraud

James Abadie, former principal of Lend Lease
James Abadie, former principal of Lend Lease

Former Bovis Lend Lease executive James Abadie has been sentenced to probation for his alleged role in overbilling the government on construction jobs, the New York Daily News reported. During his sentencing yesterday in federal court in Brooklyn, supporters gave Abadie a standing ovation as he received the apparently light punishment of a $175,000 fine and 750 hours of community service.

“The criminality in which the defendant engaged stands in stark contrast to every other aspect of his character and conduct,” said Judge Allyne Ross, after receiving letters from 80 of Abadie’s supporters, including a former city commissioner.

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Abadie and Bovis pleaded guilty last year to overbilling on projects that included a U.S. Post Office, a bankruptcy court in Brooklyn, the Bronx Criminal Courthouse, Grand Central Terminal, Citi Field in Queens and the federal courthouse where he ultimately entered his guilty plea, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Coyne.

The judge noted in court that the fraudulent behavior began before Abadie’s role as head of Bovis’ New York office. Bovis has agreed to pay $50 million in fines to the government and restitution to the victims as part of a prosecution deal. [NYDN]Christopher Cameron