FEDERAL COURT Ex-building inspector awaits sentence for racketeering
Contractors sentenced in related cases got probation or far less prison time.
CLEVELAND -- James Lapmardo, who stuffed his pockets with contractors' bribes while serving as Warren's building inspector, could get more than four years in prison when sentenced today in federal court.
Lapmardo, 54, of Perkinswood Drive, Warren, pleaded guilty April 22 to racketeering. A federal grand jury indicted him Dec. 2, 2003, charging violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute, three violations of the Hobbs Act (extortion) and conspiracy to violate the Hobbs Act.
The remaining four counts are expected to be dismissed at sentencing. He has been free on $25,000 bond.
The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Ann C. Rowland and Matthew B. Kall, assistant U.S. attorneys.
The government said Lapmardo -- and an unnamed public official -- had the power to influence the selection of contractors who did work for Warren city. He and the official could also recommend approval of change orders, issue permits and inspect construction work contracted by the city.
The 26-page indictment covers acts of bribery and money laundering from the early 1990s through mid-July 2000. The extortion scheme included at least six contractors.
Lapmardo resigned as building inspector in October 2000.
U.S. District Judge Lesley Brooks Wells set sentencing for this afternoon. Lapmardo will likely be allowed to remain out on bond until the Bureau of Prisons designates a facility, which can take more than a month.
Lapmardo's Boardman lawyer, Albert A. Palombaro, told The Vindicator that the sentencing range is 41 to 51 months. Palombaro said his client's plea agreement includes a provision that requires cooperation with the government if needed for other prosecutions.
Lapmardo's sentencing range far exceeds what contractors received in related cases.
Other sentences
Judge Wells sentenced Anthony Cervone, 54, of Rome Drive, Austintown, to 10 months home confinement and three years' probation. Matthew Mesaros, 37, of New Road, Austintown, received seven months house arrest and three years' probation.
The government said Cervone and Mesaros of Innerscope Technical Services Inc. in Austintown promised to pay Lapmardo $75,000 for the contract to demolish the Mahoningside Power Plant in Warren; Mesaros kicked in an additional $6,000 for the demolition.
These contractors each received one year and one day in prison:
UJames Nicolaus, 48, of T & amp;J Construction k Inc. and J & amp;J Enterprises. The government said Nicolaus paid Lapmardo roughly $41,000 for his help in getting contracts to build a new clubhouse at Avalon South golf course; to subcontract on home rehabilitation; to board up two buildings in the city; to demolish several buildings; and to provide an environmental assessment of the Mahoningside Power Plant. Nicolaus also created fictitious invoices under Lapmardo's direction to conceal the bribes. Prison records show Nicolaus was released Oct. 1.
UDante Massacci Sr., 81, and Dante Massacci Jr., 36, of South Main Sand & amp; Gravel. The Massaccis paid around $33,000 for Lapmardo's help in getting contracts to demolish the previous clubhouse at Avalon South golf course; to demolish several buildings including the Sanitary Dairy and Bells' Warren Music Centre; and to provide an environmental assessment of the Mahoningside plant. Prison records show the Massaccis were released May 27.
UJames Matash, 42, of M & amp;M Excavating. Matash paid $5,000 for the contract to demolish the Regency Hotel. Prison records show he was released Jan. 3, 2003. k