A former Warsaw street superintendent pleaded guilty to four felonies in connection with a scheme that bilked the city out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Lacy Francis, 64, of 1305 Country Club Drive, Warsaw, faced eight felony charges in connection with the scandal. On Monday in Kosciusko Circuit Court, he pleaded guilty to four of them: corrupt business influence, theft, official misconduct and providing false information to gain a government contract. The remaining four were dropped as part of a previously announced plea agreement.
Judge Michael Reed set sentencing for July 24 at 8:30 a.m.
Under the agreement, Francis will serve a minimum of two years behind bars. After that, he will serve time on work release and then go on probation.
The plea agreement also forfeits his retirement benefits back to the city. The total money owed to the city is unknown at this point. The Indiana Attorney General’s Office has filed a civil lawsuit on behalf of the city to recoup funds.
Police allege Francis masterminded the plot with Marc Campbell, of Pro Form Pipe Lining LLC. Between 2011 and 2013, Francis would “tip off” Campbell to the bids for city contracts to ensure Pro Form would be awarded projects. As Pro Form would be awarded the contracts, it would add 100 feet to each project, and Francis and Campbell would pocket the extra money.
Police were alerted to the scheme when an anonymous tipster called the city office and reported Pro Form was overbilling for its work.
Two others still face charges in connection with the scheme.
Former Pro Form Pipe Lining field manager Kevin Brown faces five charges including corrupt business influence and theft.
Lacy’s wife, Mildred Francis, faces six counts of money laundering in connection with the scheme.
Lacy and Mildred Francis are going through a divorce.
Charges were earlier dismissed against Krista Mishler, a former secretary for Pro Form.
“She just did what Campbell told her to do,” Kosciusko County Prosecutor Dan Hampton said.
