A former Vermeer maintenance manager has reached a plea agreement for federal fraud charges.
Scott Randell Whitehead, age 54, will plead guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. According to a federal indictment, Whitehead was Vermeer’s maintenance manager, and as part of the agreement, admitted to approving $3.6 million in invoices for products from two chemical companies, which were never received by Vermeer.
Whitehead profited at least $113,000 in kickbacks from the two chemical companies: All Industrial Chemical of Hallendale Beach, Florida, and National Chemical Company of Davie, Florida. He also agrees to pay restitution of up to $3.67 million; however, Vermeer Corporation is not a party to the plea deal itself, which means any claims they have against Whitehead are not resolved and the company can pursue any civil remedies in court. Whitehead faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled on January 10th, 2019.