Milford Man Pleads Guilty To Defrauding Employer

MILFORD, CT — A Milford man pleaded guilty to conspiracy in connection with a construction project fraud scheme, according to the U.S. Attorney District of Connecticut office.

Don Richards, 53, was a senior project manager for a Massachusetts-based mechanical contractor. He defrauded his employer and project owners by inflating change orders on certain projects, according to court documents. A subcontractor who was the principal for an insulation company made payments to Richards as part of the conspiracy, including gift cards and funds for a golf club membership.

Richards pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He agreed to pay nearly $400,000 in restitution. Richards was arrested in October 2021 and was released on a $100,000 until sentencing, which is scheduled for July 5.