Report: Ohio paving company lied about doing state work

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio’s government watchdog says a paving company lied about the work it did on a project and that state officials failed to investigate the fraud.

A report issued today by Inspector General Thomas Charles says that Barry Brown Paving Co. was paid $239,855 in 2007 to pave a commercial driver’s license testing lot in Middletown.

The company falsely stated it hired a subcontractor for a portion of the work that was required under a state program to help disadvantaged businesses. The report also says that the Ohio Department of Public Safety failed to pursue the case as a criminal matter.

The findings have been turned over to the Franklin County prosecutor’s office for possible charges against Brown Paving. The report also recommends that the Department of Public Safety improve its oversight of contracts.

A message seeking comment was left at Brown Paving in Fairfield.