State keeps paying Leonard Lawson’s companies
By John Cheves – jcheves@herald-leader.com
Bill Nighbert (left) and Leonard Lawson
Last September, a federal grand jury indicted road contractor Leonard Lawson for allegedly scheming to rig bids on contracts at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet worth $130 million.
Since that day, the cabinet has paid $68.3 million to seven road-building or asphalt companies in which Lawson or his family currently hold positions, according to data from the state treasurer and secretary of state’s offices. Most of the companies share a headquarters on Atkinson Avenue in Lexington.
Lawson’s companies have dominated road building in Eastern Kentucky for decades as he acquired political clout through heavy campaign donations, friendships and private business deals with elected officials. One of his companies pleaded guilty to felony bid rigging in the 1980s in a case involving state road contractors privately carving up territory among themselves in violation of anti-trust laws.
Gov. Steve Beshear‘s administration and the cabinet could not legally treat Lawson-related companies differently just because Lawson is charged with bribery, conspiracy and obstruction of justice related to state road contracts, said Chuck Wolfe, spokesman for the Transportation Cabinet. He added that the contracts were awarded through competitive bidding.
Federal prosecutors say that Lawson bribed Bill Nighbert, the transportation secretary under previous Gov. Ernie Fletcher, and not Joe Prather, the current transportation secretary under Beshear, Wolfe noted.
“The companies remain qualified bidders. The charges against him don’t affect them,” Wolfe said. “They’re not charged with anything.”
Lawson has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His attorney did not return calls Wednesday seeking comment. A federal district judge has set two separate trials for Lawson, the first to begin June 23 and the second to begin at an unspecified date. Nighbert is a co-defendant, as is one of Lawson’s employees.
Filed Under: State Government • Steve Beshear
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“Gov. Steve Beshear’s administration and the cabinet could not legally treat Lawson-related companies differently just because Lawson is charged with bribery, conspiracy and obstruction of justice related to state road contracts, said Chuck Wolfe, spokesman for the Transportation Cabinet. He added that the contracts were awarded through competitive bidding.”
Is this the same Chuck Wolfe that used to work for the AP?
Hmmm? What of other contractors that have in the past performed work to be reimbursed by the State that have not been “charged with bribery, conspiracy and obstruction of justice”? Anyone remember ATI?
Cant do anything with Lawson, Cant do anything with Codell. Too much money and political infuence. And the wheels keep turning round and round!
Yes, it’s the same Chuck Wolfe. It’s also the same Chuck Wolfe who was writing speeches for Ernie Fletcher when he was running for re-election.
Let’s see, trying to help Fletcher win re-election, then spewing the Beshear/Prather propaganda line. Can you say “for sale to the highest bidder?”
I hear Leonard just got the contract to pave Eddyville so as to feel at home when he gets there.
“Can you say “for sale to the highest bidder?””
Good point. The question is when he was actually for sale? Sounds to me like he has had a “For Sale” sign hung out for a while. But the AP lost its credibility a long time ago. What a shame the HL still printed their stuff.
Dang, still haven’t heard anything from Senator Williams on his old buddies… What’s up with that?? Guess he just doesn’t need them anymore… Hmmm….
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