Wilton Man Pleads Not Guilty To Federal Bribery Charges

WILTON, CT — A Wilton man was has pleaded not guilty to federal charges in connection with paying bribes to receive contracts for work at three colleges.

Stephen Dinapoli, 40, was indicted on one count of conspiracy and two counts of bribery. He was arraigned in federal court in Springfield, MA, on Friday.

According to the indictment, Dinapoli was the principal of Big East Environmental, an environmental consulting firm, from 2013 to 2019. Floyd Young held positions involving facility maintenance at three collegiate institutions, including one located in Massachusetts. It is alleged that Young steered contracts for construction, repair, maintenance, and other work for the colleges to favored contractors, including Dinapoli, who paid him bribes, typically in the amount of 15 percent of the contract. Dinapoli allegedly paid bribes to Young in cash during face-to-face meetings. In addition, as Dinapoli received payment for work done at the collegiate institution, he paid Young bribes on a periodic basis.

Young was previously charged with conspiracy to receive bribes by agent of organization receiving federal funds, and is scheduled to plead guilty on Aug. 31, 2020, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts.

On the charge of conspiracy, Dinapoli faces a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. For each count of paying bribes, Dinapoli faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss.

Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations. Dinapoli is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.