Former Boston school-bus fleet manager charged in alleged vendor bribery scheme
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The US DOJ charged Michael Muller, a former fleet and facilities director for the company managing Boston Public Schools’ bus operations, and vendor John Colantuoni in a 21-count indictment. Muller faces alleged bribery, conspiracy, honest-services mail fraud and extortion offences; Colantuoni faces alleged bribery, conspiracy, honest-services mail fraud and obstruction charges. No convictions or settlements were reported.
According to the indictment, Muller allegedly solicited more than $870,000 in bribes and kickbacks from five vendors between 2010 and December 2021, including cash, a vehicle and building materials. The DOJ also alleges inflated invoices, an improper hiring demand involving Muller’s adult child and obstruction by Colantuoni; these remain allegations.
The case highlights risks where employees control vendors, invoices and payment flows in outsourced public-service contracts. Controls should address conflicts of interest, vendor oversight, invoice verification and non-cash benefits.