One of the men accused of participating in a scheme to cheat John Deere has pleaded guilty. Yesterday, 45 year old Patrick Williams of Cedar Falls pleaded guilty in federal court in Rock Island to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Prosecutors say, while working for Alter Metal Recycling in Waterloo, Williams conspired with a former Deere employee in Waterloo at the foundry, 62 year old Harvey Ulfers. Ulfers is suspected of using his position as purchasing supervisor to undervalue scrap metal leaving the plant, and then working with others to sell the metal and keep the excess value.
Williams faces up to 20 years in prison, and his sentencing is set for August. Ulfers' trial is scheduled for June.
