Four concrete suppliers in Georgia have been sentenced to prison for participating in a bid-rigging scheme that lasted for years.

James Clayton Pedrick, Gregory Hall Melton, John David Melton, and Timothy “Bo” Strickland were charged with fixing prices and rigging bids for ready-mix concrete used in various projects. Pedrick and Strickland pleaded guilty, while the two Meltons were convicted earlier this year. The defendants colluded to submit bids with uncompetitive prices and coordinated price increases between 2010 and 2016.

Gregory Hall Melton was sentenced to 41 months in prison, while John David Melton received a 26-month sentence. Strickland was sentenced to five months in prison, and Pedrick received one year of probation. Additionally, two companies, Evans Concrete and Argos USA, were fined $2. 7 million and $20 million, respectively, for their involvement in the conspiracy. Manish Kumar, from the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, emphasized the importance of holding accountable those who exploit essential materials like concrete for personal gain.

The case was investigated by the FBI, U. S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General, and U. S. Postal Service.