Home > Political Insider > Archives > 2008 > March > 26 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHead of Facility Group indicted by feds for ‘trying to influence’ Mississippi official
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This is in today’s Jackson, Miss., Clarion-Ledger:
Three Georgia businessmen face a 16-count federal indictment involving the defunct Mississippi Beef Processors Plant, including allegations that their company tried to influence a Mississippi public official through campaign contributions.
The indictment charges Robert Moultrie, 67, of Smyrna; Charles Morehead, 57, of Lilburn and Nixon Cawood, 58, of Woodstock with one count of conspiracy to corruptly influence a public official and 15 counts of mail fraud….
The processing plant opened in August 2004 but shut down three months later, costing the state about $55 million.
Robert Moultrie is chairman of The Facility Group of Smyrna, an architectural and engineering firm with deep political ties in Georgia. House Rules Chairman Earl Ehrhart (R-Powder Springs) is a senior vice president for the company.
The Associated Press had this:
Ehrhart said he was not involved in the federal probe.
“I’ve never been interviewed by any law enforcement about anything,” said the Republican from Powder Springs. “I haven’t done anything.”
Ehrhart referred additional questions to a company spokesman, Flip Spiceland, who said Ehrhart was not involved. Spiceland said he could not talk about the facts of the case, but he said business was proceeding as usual at the company.
Says the Clarion-Ledger:
The indictment said Moultrie and Cawood carried out a scheme to give more than the allowable $5,000 in campaign contributions to the re-election campaign of the unnamed public official, who is not indicted, intending to influence and reward him for the state selecting The Facility Group to manage the design and construction of the beef plant.
Federal officials would not identify the “public official,” but former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove’s 2003 re-election campaign finance records match the contributions listed in the indictment. Musgrove is now a candidate for U.S. Senate.
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Comments
By John
March 26, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
Big deal…I have worked wil Mr. Moultrie and his company a couple years ago on a project…He was a very nice and straight up guy. And his company is full of wonderful people…I hope this does not reflect on them at all. A wonderful company to work with. I hope the best for them.
By OlDawg
March 26, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
The Facilities Group (TFG) is a huge campaign contribution machine for Guv. Sonny Perdue. Sonny put Bob Moultrie on an influential State board that promotes economic development. Not surprisingly, TFG has a few State contracts. Also, State Rep. Earl Erhardt, Rules Committee Chair, is a senior employee at TFG. Cozy, ain’t it?
By rat_smeller
March 27, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Anybody checked recently on how many unbid gov’t contracts for Paulding County are held by The Facility Group? Anybody checked to see who Ehrhart’s ace divorce attorney was? Anybody check to see in which county the current Speaker of the House resides? Has Ehrhart checked to see where his old friend Robin Williams is? I bet he ain’t in Augusta.
By politicalfairness
March 27, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
For Moultrie, this can’t be the first time. Has anyone considered finding out who Moultrie or the FAciluty Group has contributed campaign dollars here in Georgia? Furthermore, were they granted any contracts based on those contributions. THAT WILL BE THE REAL STORY. WHAT ABOUT ALL THE SPLOST MONEY IN COBB THAT THEY CONTROL? LOOK THERE.
By concerned architect
March 27, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
What goes around, comes around, God does not like ugly.
As a honest and high integrity design firm, maybe we can get our chance of doing some prime architectural projects for the State of Georgia
By honest architect
March 27, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
Amen to the Politicalfairness comment
Maybe other design firms can work in Cobb, Pauling and the State of Georgia
By rat_smeller
March 27, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
What with all the publicity about shady deals in Mississippi and Sr. Vice Presidents dying in airplane crashes, how pleasant it must’ve been for Flip to see a nice story on the lovely home of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Moultrie. Oops, though, because I guess we now know how that house was paid for. Will the house be sold to make restitution to the citizens of Mississippi?
By rat_smeller
March 27, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
What with all the publicity about shady deals in Mississippi and Sr. Vice Presidents dying in airplane crashes, how pleasant it must’ve been for Flip to see a nice story (2/26/08, “Private Quarters”, AJC) on the lovely home of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Moultrie. Oops, though, because I guess we now know how that house was paid for. Will the house be sold to make restitution to the citizens of Mississippi?
By rat_smeller
March 27, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
What with all the publicity about TFG’s shady deals in Mississippi and Sr. Vice Presidents dying in airplane crashes with Paulding County Commissioners, how pleasant it must’ve been for Flip to see a nice story (2/26/08, “Private Quarters”, AJC) on the lovely home of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Moultrie. Oops, though, because I guess we now know how that house was paid for. Will the house be sold to make restitution to the citizens of Mississippi?
By rat_smeller
March 27, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
What with all the publicity about TFG’s shady deals in Mississippi and Sr. Vice Presidents dying in airplane crashes with Paulding County Commissioners, how pleasant it must’ve been for Flip to see a nice story (2/26/08, “Private Quarters”, AJC) on the lovely home of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Moultrie. Oops, though, because I guess we now know how that house was paid for. Will the house be sold to make restitution to the citizens of Mississippi?
By rat_smeller
March 27, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Sorry for the overposts, the message obviously wanted to be heard.
Can you hear me now?
Good.
By coastalviewpoint.com
March 27, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
More on this story.. Link: www.coastalviewpoint.com
This story has legs like you won’t believe….
coastalviewpoint.com
By The Rub
March 27, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
$5000.00….$5000.00…I would like to openly log a protest to the assinine individual who is heading up this ‘investigation’ over $5,000.00. The last time I checked that will not even get you a decent spot with color in the AJC much less help you win an election. Why doesnt he spend his time investigating Haliburton and some of the other government contractors that are charging 6-8X market on a quickly approaching $1 Trillion policing mission that has done nothing but…well that is another issue. I say kudos to Mr. Multree for fighting to prove his innocence, unlike Mr. Haliburton who just paid the fine because he was GUILTY! -look it up you dirty rat-
By coastalviewpoint.com
March 27, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
Rub, you must work for them. AND, you missed the $55M loss to GA of their little fiasco. They go in, wine and dine (and more), get a contract for with no public bid (illegal), get an obscene profit for an overly built building, spread the wealth and keep doing it. They have shut out good competition by their illegal tactics. It is really lacking in character and intellect not to see the harm in that. But I suspect you have a connection. No one who can type is that ignorant.
By Topher
March 27, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
Rat Smeller Just remember, that there are a lot of people that work at The Facility Group…a lot of good people…including me! And with all this that is going on, and with all the crap you are spouting…let me tell you about things people don’t hear about Mr. Moultrie! When my son was fighting cancer, Mr. Moultie made sure that it was known that the company and his family would support me 100%. And when I had to spend the last month and a half of his life at the hospital, and then a month more at home after his death, Mr. Moultrie paid my salary in full. Not many places or people would do that. And I work with people that truly care about our clients, and take pride in the jobs we do. “He who has not sinned, cast the first stone…” I guess Mr. Rat Smeller, you must be without sin? I am proud of my job, and I am proud to work for Facility Group…and proud to work for a man like Mr. Moultrie.
By c
March 27, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
way to go Topher! :) i couldn’t have said it better! i’m sure glad i work with you!
By coastalviewpoint.com
March 27, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
Topher, I understand your feelings but with a bit of studying history, you can discover that some of the worst criminals in history did some wonderful things - especially when it bought loyalty. Even discounting an ulterior motive, it does not make him innocent.
It makes him human, but I wasn’t doubting that. He is using corrupt practices to get business. That isn’t good and it isn’t noble. But he has a good side.. glad to hear it.
Maybe he can work things out. If it all comes together as I think it will, he will have lots of time to think about his mistakes. And he will need friends like you to visit.
I am not being sarcastic. Be his friend. I don’t hold it against you and I CERTAINLY don’t think the employees are corrupt. It looks like he hires good people just from reading your post. So he is a good judge of character - but that doesn’t mean he is a good character.
By rat_smeller
March 28, 2008 7:21 AM | Link to this
Topher, I am sorry for the loss of your son. I can also appreciate the sense of loyalty you feel to Mr. Moultrie and TFG. I don’t think anywhwere in my post I alluded to wrongdoing by the rank and file employees of TFG, but if I did I’d like to retract any such implication. The only people I’m casting stones at are Robert, Nick, and Charles. And Flip too, but how can I not with a name like that? I’m sure others will cast stones at additional TFG personalities like Earl. I just hate what is most likely going to happen to the “regular” employees when these top execs either plead or are convicted and the holding company is held accountable and is stripped of assets. Then I wonder how highly those employees will think of the business practices Robert used.
Best of luck and my warmest wishes.
By atlanta architect
March 28, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
I too am sorry for some of the emplolyees of Facility Group. But the actions of Mr. Moultrie and State Rep Earnhart. I have always thought it was a conflict of interest when a firm has a paid Politican, who sits on the Higher Ed committee, and FG has won large Univesity projects, like the most recent one as the PM for all of the BOR PPV/GHEFA projects.
Maybe now some of the other Atlanta firms may get a true chance
By Sunny Day
March 28, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Still proud to work for Facility Group and all are innocent until PROVEN guilty…
By rat_smeller
March 28, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Actually they are only considered INNOCENT until proven guilty. At this point, though, it almost doesn’t matter. I’d advise anyone facing federal prosecution to look at the conviction percentage of those who go to trial. It’s upwards of 90%. And I’m sure it will be easy for these wealthy, sophisticated, white men to get a sympathetic jury in Mississippi. And nobody will consider there that this deal, regardless of TFG’s involvement or not, cost MS taxpayers $55 million. Considering all the factors, I’d say this case is a sure thing. You figure out which way.
By c
March 28, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
It’s interesting for everyone against the Facility group to take all there knowledge of the situation from the newspaper. First no one took or swindles anyone out of 55 million. If you know anything you would know that that 55 million was miss spent by the two people already in jail the first contractor and manager. only after that and the government was without hope did they call in the Facility Group to complete what was already screwed up, The contract that was signed was full filled. It’s easy to tug on the heart strings and talk about lost tax payer money and find someone to blame but you have to ask yourself why every article keeps mentioning the past governor who is running against a republican candidate for senator. Your right $5000.00, is it the real reason, no. I would suggest regardless of your feelings to at least give someone who has always delt with others as a family member with a little respect. I would add to those in the atl area who keep complaining that the only reason we get work is for paying off people. What a dumb a*. Your not going to get work even after this blows over.
By rat_smeller
March 28, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
Who knows where all us mean spirited types get our information? Surely we’re more well informed than just our local newspaper?!? Thanks for clearing up all the “real” reasons behind this case for us though. Maybe one day we can “c” the light as well.
By marcus
March 29, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
FG was the not the low bid, another project no RFP, just given to FG
Breaking News!!! Breaking News!!! Breaking News!!!
It was reported yesterday that the head of Facility Group (the people who want to build the jail in downtown Brunswick and the same company that is the construction management company for the new Charter school) were indicted by Feds for “trying to influence” a Mississippi official. The indictment says that campaign money was intended ”to influence and reward the public official” for the state’s selection of The Facility Group to manage the completion and design of Mississippi Beef Processors.
Court records show that a conviction on the first count of the indictment carries penalties of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Conviction on any of the remaining counts would carry up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Does this make the Brunswick jail decision smell fishy - or is it just us?? For those that don’t know, the decision to build the Brunswick jail in downtown Brunswick was made after talks with The Facility Group.
Robert Moultrie, 67, is chairman of The Facility Group of Smyrna, an architectural and engineering firm with deep political ties in Georgia. House Rules Chairman Earl Ehrhart (R-Powder Springs) is a senior vice president for the company. Cawood is executive vice president and Morehead is chief operating officer of the company.
The indictment charges Robert Moultrie, 67, of Smyrna; Charles Morehead, 57, of Lilburn and Nixon Cawood, 58, of Woodstock with one count of conspiracy to corruptly influence a public official and 15 counts of mail fraud.
In addition to charging that officials of The Facility Group of Smyna tried to influence a public official, the 30-page indictment made public Tuesday says the company submitted invoices containing “fraudulent, overstated and inflated costs” for work as project managers of the beef plant construction.
The processing plant opened in August 2004 but shut down three months later, costing the state about $55 million.
And what about those rumors about several of our “leaders” being wined and dined by the Facility group and generally treated like royalty… It makes you wonder how much the jail in downtown Brunswick will end up costing,…. and if built, who will be spending time there?? ;-)
We could be talking divine poetic justice before long.
The Facility Group is the construction management company for the Charter School project, approximately $19 million school. The Coastal Viewpoint is continuing to confirm information that The Facility Group will make between $3 to $4 million on the Charter School.
The Glynn County Board of Commissioners committed to and authorized The Facility Group prior to the Charter School “partnership” (Board of Commissioners, Development Authority and the Glynn County School Board) going through the bid process. The BOC originally claimed that the Charter School project was “exempt” and that the contract did not have to be bid.
The school board insisted that the project be submitted for an open bid and, almost magically, The Facility Group was “selected”. We do not have access to the actual bid amounts, but we have been told that The Facility Group was NOT the low bid. Coastal Viewpoint will be researching this specific information.
We are researching this incredible news today and will also be talking with the Federal officers who were involved in the indictment process of the officers of The Facility Group because of their activities “trying to influence” a Mississippi official.
By c
March 29, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
there we go again, Marcus. Getting information from the news again. So you know marcus The Facility Group wasn’t short listed so no need to worry on the Brunswick project nor was it responsible for making the decision to put it downtown . As for coastal viewpoint it would be great to see them spend their time on more important issues, but i guess it it for them. if your also going to make issues against these people it might be nice to at least do some research, maybe even a little, if not just write in your journal an make yourself feel better. one more point, low bid doesn’t have to be selected, low means cheap, low means not properly bid, low means change orders. so next time research, research, research.
By Brunswick
March 29, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
C is very correct Marcus. I personally was involved with what the Coastal Viewpoint is talking about for the County. And the low bidder is not all that one looks at to decide on the best to do the job. The Facility Group, not the three execs that are charged, are the ones with the experience, and has the knowledge to get the job done, and done correct. It is our jobs to manage The Facility Group, which we will. Everyone is jumping the gun too quickly. Where there is smoke, there is not always a fire…After looking at the actual indictment, I can see where there looks to be some actual misdoings….but I can also smell a witch hunt for some political campaigners in Mississippi…it would look awful good for some politicians to get a conviction for their state…to say “hey, see, we got these guys, and others, for our failed mistake”. Don’t get me wrong. Someone should pay if found guilty. But should the people that make up the Facility Group, and our County suffer? If we choose the lowest bidder every time. Or not try to negotiate a contract or services, I guarantee you, we could have our very own Mississippi Beef in our County. A job that could be poorly designed, poorly built, and a change order city costing the County more money than we need to spend. And maybe people should start to look at this from a different angle? With what is going on at The Facility group right now…I bet they will be crossing their t’s and dotting their i’s on every project. Current and future. Knowing the experience they have, and now knowing what they are dealing with…I have a good assumption that we will be getting a very well managed, and “very carefully” invoiced project.
By CCC
March 29, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
You are speaking about my father-n-law. One of the greatest, most loving, comapasionte people I know. Your comments will not burn him and we as a FAMILY will get through this. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!!!!
PS- Get your facts straight!!!!
CCC
By South Georgia Architect
March 29, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
Sorry, why did the Coastalnews print such lies. C, it just seems a little odd that the company is awarded alot of state work ie board of Regents and GSFIC, and having on staff one of the highest ranking Republican legislature, Ernhart?
By Darine
March 29, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
So FG was not awared the CM for the Charter School in Brunswick?
By comedianhaha
March 29, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
I bet old Earl Ehrhart is cursing the day that he ever met Robin Williams. That old buddy relationship is gonna come back to haunt him I’m figuring. It seems to have already come back to hurt Mr. Moultrie. Lucky for Earl though, he’s got a press secretary to help handle the surely impending onslaught of attention. Of course his woman, much like his livelihood, is provided by his friend Glenn. Ahhh, the rewards of friendship with the Speaker must balance with the curse of friendship with former RINOs.
By coastalviewpoint.com
March 29, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
What lies??? South Georgia Architect? Be specific. The fact is that TFG has demonstrated a way of going about getting their big contracts.
They are accused by the FED’s after extensive investigation that they did “knowingly and willfully conspire with each other … to give, offer and agree to give things of value to another person with intent to influence and reward an agent… etc.” - from the indictment which you can read at the bottom of the page… on www.coastalviewpoint.com.
So, when we see how the management gets their business in Miss., it is not a big jump to look for similarities in Georgia.
This story is not over. There is much more. But common sense will tell you that a crook uses the same tactics in similar situations. If you want to know more, you will have to wait. There is more.
But you accused us of lying. Now where is the lie??? Point it out!!!
CoastalViewpoint.com
By coastalviewpoint.com
March 29, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this
Brunswick, you don’t get it. WE, The People, are paying too much for a design that may not be the best because there was not a fair bidding process.
When public funds are involved, that is very illegal for a very good reason.
The decision for any contract is not supposed to be decided based on favors. It causes corruption. It means that businesses that could have done the job better but are honest don’t get the work.
It means that bad design is done - overly expensive work is done - so that the contractors get more money to spend on the favors.
And on and on… But surely that is enough to make you realize there is a very good reason for the FBI to make these indictments.
By coastalviewpoint.com
March 30, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
“C”, you will notice that we are leading with this news. It is not copied from a newspaper.
Pull up the .pdf copy of the indictment at the bottom of the front page. Where did you see that on a newspaper?
WHERE, other than CoastalViewpoint.com has any paper come - even yet - to the realization that this has happened more than once????
We will leave it there for another day or two, but there is much more to print on this.
I am not saying anymore about upcoming news because we are saving that for our readers. And pacing it out is important. We are careful, very careful. We are not interested in “spitting” on anyone’s reputation. In fact, we hate that part of the job.
But, it is part of the story. I can bet that the FBI would rather not have this kind of behavior taking place. They have the hard job. We just report.
And it is amazing that the CoastalViewpoint.com just keeps getting leads sent to us. We want to be a “views” “paper” - not a news “paper”. Frankly, we can’t wait to get back to what we want to be about.
But we don’t have a REAL “news” paper in our area. The AJC is the closest thing to a real paper that our people can read. Naturally, that is NOT a complete endorsement of the AJC and not to be taken as such.
CoastalViewpoint.com
By southgeorgia architect
March 30, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Coastalview, I totally agree with you. this how fiasco is sad. We wanted to pursue the Jail and the school, but no RRFP
Keep us informed of the correct news, better than the AJC :)
By Topher
March 30, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Coastal Viewpoint…..you say you just want to be a “views paper”? Then why just print one view? You are sounding more like a “bias” paper. You truely do need to check some of your facts.
By southgeorgia architect
March 30, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Kudos to Coastal View. It is a shame that FG’s worker bees have been put in such a bad light.
Being with an architect firm, it has been sometimes hard to compete against FG because of how uppper management plays the political game.
Please keep us posted on the Glynn county/Brunswick deals.
Lets keep em hones
By southgeorgia architect
March 30, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Topher, I am very sorry that you and other good people at Facility Group is being drawn into this.
You sound like a very good person. But it seems like we somestimes are guilty by assocation. Trust the good people of FG is spared this mess.
Topher, are you working on the Glynn County CM for the Private Charter School?
In my prayers
By c
March 31, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Your right topher, there is only one view point being given by Coastalview and i’m sure there is no chance of any others in the future. It’s also understandable for others be they from the south or north to cast blame when you see a larger firm get the work. I’m sure it’s done and for the most part there are countless projects Facility group has lost when put up against other firms of the same caliber. Look at the experiance of TFG and how much work they have put in place, how much they have done for the Design build industry of Georgia and you may also see why they get the projects they do and stop putting to pay-offs and kick backs. It’s all understandable, but like topher said look at the real reason TFg is envolved when actually nothing imroperly was done outside of doing bussiness with someone that didn’t have a sound bussineess plan in place and wasn’t properly monitored. if i were to bet ex gov. Musgrove should be the one worrying. That is who they are truely after, but that is only my view point. like i said before CV please research some more, your viewpoint is getting old.
By Sad Employee
March 31, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
For many of us employees there are mixed feelings, lots of people here work hard and believe in the company but for years always had that sick feeling that things weren’t always quite honest. Too many years of no bonuses because we were not making a profit yet Robert and Nick kept building bigger houses using subs that were also working on clients projects and all the rumors that costs were being charged to our projects hidden in the subcontracts. And Earl being on the payroll has always bothered people, his only role is to work the backroom politics. Hoping for the best but fearing the worst. Many are surprised that CK is involved since he did not seem to benefit in the same ways others have financially and he’s a decent man.
By georgia concerned citizen
April 1, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Sad employee, hope all works out for you.
I know there are alot of hard working people there, and a shame that rewards were not shared. But looking at RM house, it is a mansion
By Monomorphic
April 1, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
When I worked there in the Marketing Department my cube was right next to Robert Moultrie’s office. It was always a running joke that money was being passed underhandedly in envelopes. Their Business Development people wine and dine political officials at every opportunity they get… especially political officials from small municipalities that don’t know any better and have their first really big project to build.
There were a couple of instances where the VPs would tell me that public projects that hadn’t been bid yet were ‘in the bag’.
And what about that $115 million jail out in Chatham that they pulled out from under the highest ranked firms? That was the shadiest project I’ve ever been involved in. Somehow even after the project was awarded to another firm they managed to get one last interview. At the interview they brought in the Sheriff and the selection committee asked him whom he wanted. He said TFG and the selection committee went with what he said. I always wondered if the Sheriff was bribed. It was quite the coup to get that project unawarded and steal it away from the higher ranked firm.
Methinks there will be a very large magnifying glass over all the public projects The Facility Group has won over the years.
By Sad Employee
April 1, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know how often these types of indictments are succesfully prosecuted and people actually go to jail or if they just usually agree to a deal to repay some money and pay some fines. My concern is if Robert had to serve some time and the company had to pay big fines we would lose our reputation and go out of business since most of our business comes in because of Robert’s contacts.
By Dana Blankenhorn
April 1, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Jim: Notice something really curious in this story?
Company spokesman Flip Spiceland? As in former WXIA weatherperson (http://www.accessatlanta.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/accessatlanta/radiotalk/entries/2008/02/19/219flipspicel.html) who left under mysterious circumstances in February?
By gerogia taxpayer
April 1, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
what happened to Flip Spiceland? did he get fired from FG?
By FedJustice
April 1, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
Sad Employee, Generally if the Feds go to the indictment stage, their successful (to them) resolution rate is almost 100%, as I think someone may have mentioned earlier in the comments. That’s pretty standard. A successful resolution for the Feds happens when they get a conviction or the subject of an indictment pleads out to a usually lesser offense. Generally if a U.S. Attorney goes with an indictment, they have enough ammunition regardless of the target’s innocence or guilt to get past the requirement of reasonable doubt.
As far as the punishment, I would be almost positive that there would not only be fines and restitution but there would also be jail time. Robert could reduce or maybe avoid that jail time if he had anybody else he could testify about or against.
By happy employee
April 2, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
Sad employee - if you are so sad, then quit. Don’t even bother with a 2 week notice, just clear out your cube, NOW!!! If you think these things that have been alleged are the normal here, then you have no ethics. You must not be a professional engineer or architect, because we have a code of ethics that we agree to abide by during the registration process. Additionally, with the ethics classes we have here, and the fact that you have remained silent, except in several anonymous posts on the AJC, you have shown that you are a coward. Once again, if you are sad, just leave, we don’t want you.
By rah rah
April 2, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Now that happy employee has the team spirit! In times of corporate turmoil, instead of trying to circle the wagons and foster a feeling of camaraderie and perhaps even commiseration let’s just try to alienate any- and everyone who might be feeling a little nervous about this whole situation. Probably makes their decision about whether to talk to the feds and what to say that much easier.
By atlanta architect
April 2, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Happy Employee, I agree with you. All the good architects and engineer need to start looking. There are good firms out here looking for good architects/project managers
By cobb county resident
April 3, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
had does FG get all the work in Cobb County? any connection with State Rep Erhart
By rat_smeller
April 3, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
We can shut down these comments now. Since we’ve been blessed with the genius of “cobb county resident” I don’t think there’s any need to continue. Clearly those Cobb County School Board SPLOST dollars were monies well spent.
By sour grape pucker
April 3, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Maybe this is why:
“I find it hard to believe The Facility Group or Robert Moultrie would have would have done anything he’s accused of. We’ve never had the problem with what is said to have happened there [in Mississippi],” said board member Holli Cash who represents Smyrna. “The Facility Group has done a fabulous job for us coming in on time and under budget allowing us to do more projects.”
Let’s not assume the worst in all situations, please. Cobb is just covering their butts so they can pass the new SPLOST.
By Paulding County Tax payer
April 3, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Let’s take a look at who is “buying into” Paulding County Government.
I know The Facility Group is building the new county couthouse and administration complex.
I believe they did the BOE building and some of the schools the past couple of years.
And I know there are relationships between Earl Earnhardt a State Senator from Cobb County and The Facility Group, He works there.
When I read the article about the 3 guys from The Facility Group who were indicted in Mississippi yesterday, one of the names, Robert Moultrie, rang a bell. So I pulled out my copy of Jerry Shearin’s December 31, 2007 campaign contributions.
Sure enough:
Robert Moultrie, Owner of the Facility Group, $2000 Donya Green Edier, Exec. VP of the Facility Group, $2000 Neighbors for Earl Earnhardt, Sales Rep for the Facility Group, $2000 Facility Group Political Action Committee, $2000 Facility Holding Corp, The Facility Group, $2000
I understand The Facility Group obtained the contract for the design and construction of our new Paulding County Courthouse and Administration Complex for $65 million dollars without having to do go through a competitive bid process. I wonder if there are some disgruntled architechtural firms out there who did not even get to discuss their bids with the county ?
That makes me go, Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm
By south ga
April 3, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
Yep,But you missed a Important point, This Law Suit was filed Before the Current Board of commissioners,Approved the contract for the new Judicial Center………………………. WHAT WAS THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS THINKING ABOUT???
HOW DO YOU AWARD A $65 MILLION CONTRACT WITHOUT REVIEWING THEIR PAST PERFORMANCES????
By Sad Employee
April 4, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
What are the ramifications for others who may have made donations and been reimbursed for other projects, if this is the same type of donation bundling is this a crime and will that be pursued? All the Feds have to do is supoena all accounting records and they can link back to other projects. I hope Donya does not get into trouble for her donation, I know many have been “persuaded” to donate in the past. And Mr Happy Employee, you must be one of the Nick toadies. Don’t question my professioanl ethics, don’t blame us regular employees, look to the fat cats.
By rat_smeller
April 4, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Who says that the Happy Employee ISN’T a “fat cat?” That may be why he/she has been so happy. At least until the next round of indictments.
By georgia concerned citizen
April 4, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Yes, that type of bundling is not right. All the Feds have to do is subpeno FG accounting files and you know the rest… follow the money. Now Cobb County Schools has hired an outside auditor
Sad day
By Sad Employee
April 4, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
This afternoon we were told that both Robert and Nick are stepping down from their responsibilities, so what’s next?
By georgia concerned citizen
April 4, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
what does that mean? Is Ennis going to run the company? What happens to State Rep Erhardt?
By georgia concerned
April 6, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
Since Robert and Nick are stepping down, does that leave Ennis Parker and State Rep Erhart to run the company?
Or should it be Joe Fenton????
By sad2
April 7, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Sad, did Robert and Nick step down?
By Wild Horses
April 8, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Kids,
I’ll get back to you later and let you know if we’re having the family Christmas celebration at Moultrie Meadows or at a Federal Facility.
Love, Dad
www.MoultrieMeadows.com
By c
April 9, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this
dang there are alot of busy bodies in this blog. why don’t you all get back to work and stop worrying about something you have no involvement in. Your dealing with alot of peoples reputations and quetioning their ethics and non of you even no them, so turn the internet off and finish your projects, that includes you too coastal view.
By rat_smeller
April 9, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Well all my projects are finished for the day. So I guess I can get back to dealing with the repuations of lots of people. Of course, I “no” really “non” of them.
If there’s no fire behind this smoke I make my solemn (sollum for you c) vow to apologize in the same forum in which I’ve been posting.
By the way c, how are your projects? All caught up?
By atlanta architect
April 9, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Hi rat smeller. I agree with you. Is “C” all caught up.
I still would like to know where State Rep Erhart stands in the company? and how FG knows all the “right state agencies” has $$$ to spend
By localsavannahian
April 9, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
C, please help me with this one more questions - need answer regarding the Chatham County Jail…
an acquiantance worked there in the Marketing Department , their cube was right next to Robert Moultrie’s office. It was always a running joke that money was being passed underhandedly in envelopes. Their Business Development people wine and dine political officials at every opportunity they get… especially political officials from small municipalities that don’t know any better and have their first really big project to build.
There were a couple of instances where the VPs would tell me that public projects that hadn’t been bid yet were ‘in the bag’.
What about that $115 million jail out in Chatham that they pulled out from under the highest ranked firms? That was the shadiest project ever. Somehow even after the project was awarded to another firm they managed to get one last interview. At the interview they brought in the Sheriff and the selection committee asked him whom he wanted. He said TFG and the selection committee went with what he said. I always wondered if the Sheriff was bribed. It was quite the coup to get that project unawarded and steal it away from the higher ranked firm. Should a very large magnifying glass be over all the public projects The Facility Group has won over the years?
Concerned Georgia Tax Payer
By c
April 9, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
you really should look at why the original group was selected before the commission meeting. TFG got another chance i would expect for the reason the other firms got the same second chance. No one was selected as you say or as the “marketing” person might suggest paid off. i think the other architects out there should be concerned more with why other firm get the project they don’t because someone must have been paid off if they didn’t get it. if that helps you sleep at night, go with it. i would suggest to those out there that aren’t happy then maybe they should move on, i would think about first since apparently no one out there is getting any projects because of TFG, maybe thats why they have so much time. anyway. i better go out and spend some of that money in the envelope. really, what a joke…
By horse farm
April 9, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
C, who are you? Judy Sparks?
By the_shadow
April 10, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this
Nah, that couldn’t be Judy. She was never really comfortable with or fully understood how the Ehrhart machinations worked.
By horse farm
April 10, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
yea, you are right. It is really Jeanne Peck, no, Joe Fenton
By horsefarm
April 10, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
The latest Paulding County News….
Commissioner Ragsdale asked an item be added to the agenda calling for an audit of The Facilities Group contract with the county over the construction of the courthouse. That agenda item was briefly discussed and will acted upon at the 2 pm meeting.
In making the motion that the county obtain an audit, Ragsdale cited the federal indictments entered against the Facilities Group for their involvement in a publicly financed meat packing facility in Mississippi. That facility, bought with revenue bonds by a state committee in Mississippi, similar to the IBA, ended up closing 90-days after it opened. I am unaware exactly why the facility closed; whether it was due to market conditions or whether the facility itself was poorly designed and the flaws (if any) were responsible for the closure. It is pretty much undisputed that the Facilities Group did lobby those in state government in Mississippi to build the meat packing facility.
At issue in Mississippi was whether political contributions by principals in the Facilities Group was instrumental in it obtaining the contract for the meat packing facility. That there are, at least at present, no state officials charged in the Mississippi probe, does confuse the issue.
By c
April 11, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this
man ole man. there everyone goes again pulling peoples names thru the mud. I like reading this blog for the entertainment value. it’s funny to read the lastone where it makes them sound informed and no it is disputed that TFG gave money to get a meet packing plant. ps - its not any of those people, like they would really care what this blog had to say anyway. another good one.
By sad 2
April 11, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
good morning C, how is the morale of all the people?
By HollandKnightPAC
April 11, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
I know c, it is really disgusting to see people’s names dragged through the mud before they’ve even gone to trial. I’m sure nobody at TFG, including Earl, drug Robin Williams’ name through the mud. Actually, they probably didn’t, I would imagine that they were scared he might bring up stuff he did for them. Pretty much like he’s been doing for the grand jury in Mississippi so far.
By atlanta architects
April 11, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Please share how an architect can be selected as the PM, and then also is awarded the contract for the Design and Construction.
As an architects, this appears to be a big conflict of interest and unethical.
Please help me understand
By atlanta architect
April 11, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Need some help with an answer… how does a architectural firm be awarded a contract for Program Manager, and then is awarded the contract for design and construction.
It is a big conflict of interestand very unethical.
Please share your thoughts
By Dirt Digger
April 14, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Understand that TFG was just awarded another job in Columbus, Ga through GSFIC at Columbus Technical College for MANY Millions of dollars. Another win for Rep EARL EHRHART, Senior VP for TFG and a loss for the tax payers for Georgia. Is anyone concerned about a conflict of interest by Rep Ehrhart??? Should GBI or Attorney Generals office take a look at GSFIC and/or TFG??
By concerned architect
April 14, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Dirt Digger, yes there should be concern. Why isnt anyone looking at Erhart and all of the state work FG is winning?
By Sad Employee
April 14, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
Back from spring break and caught up on latest buzz, here is what is being talked about, strong rumors that it was Nick not CK that tried to make a deal with Feds but Robert convinced him otherwise, trial date moved to august, people nervous about being deposed, worried about bonus check, timecard and invoice back up paper trail associated with discovery process, its killing our meat business and no politicians lining up to take Moultrie contributions or invite him to fundraisers and no employee gross up contributions anymore so that will hurt our public sector business, Earl’s cashbag must be gtting lighter! financial concerns if Feds prevail, leadership is tainted or removed, big fines and then the Civil suit will kick in and that may cost $5+ million to resolve with punitive damages. And then finally the vultures circle as the IRS starts looking into mixing personal and company money and overall the distraction makes its hard to do stay focused on business and our competitors have a whispering campaign going. Hopefully we can get past all this financially but its killing our reputation in our markets as the overall market slows down and all these audits of public sector work start up. August seems a long way away. Anyway back to cubeland in case happy guy or fat cat is watching..
By concerned architect
April 14, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Sad employee, sorry for you to come back from spring break with this.
They are looking into the Bibb County School being over budget.
By coastalviewpoint.com
April 16, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Sad employee, we are running a story on the story inside TFG. It will be breaking soon. We would love to hear from you. Your identity will be protected. Come to our website, contact us. We will let you know how to get in touch with a phone number. We will just verify that you work there.
You can be a big help. If more employees come forward, it could make a difference.
By Honorable Mention
April 21, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
I used to work as an engineer at TFG. It was well known that you ‘go along to get along’, especially with regards to engineering ethics. I watched several people stand up for ethics in engineering by not approving money saving, but not code-worthy, nor soundly engineered suggestions from their construction dept., and they were summarily fired. There were also cover-ups of mis-engineered mistakes. Myself and two others were ‘let go’ under the guise of ‘downscaling’, but we had all refused to participate in unethical situations. I’d like to know how the State Licensing Board for Professional Engineers and Architects is handling this most public fiasco. Are they going to revoke TFG’s business license to perform professional engineering and architectural services for breach of ethics? I was also there when Earl and Nick were hired. Everyone knew Earl was hired for his political pull to get jobs, and Nick was quickly considered a ‘shady’ character by the honorable people there. It was suprising they hired Nick because he had pretty much run the previous company he worked for into the ground.
By Honorable Mention
April 21, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
I used to work as an engineer at TFG. It was well known that you ‘go along to get along’, especially with regards to engineering ethics. I watched several people stand up for ethics in engineering by not approving money saving, but not code-worthy, nor soundly engineered suggestions from their construction dept., and they were summarily fired. There were also cover-ups of mis-engineered mistakes. Myself and two others were ‘let go’ under the guise of ‘downscaling’, but we had all refused to participate in unethical situations. I’d like to know how the State Licensing Board for Professional Engineers and Architects is handling this most public fiasco. Are they going to revoke TFG’s business license to perform professional engineering and architectural services for breach of ethics? I was also there when Earl and Nick were hired. Everyone knew Earl was hired for his political pull to get jobs, and Nick was quickly considered a ‘shady’ character by the honorable people there. It was suprising they hired Nick because he had pretty much run the previous company he worked for into the ground. One project mgr. I know (who is a PE) was told by Nick to lie to clients just to get their business. He refused, so he was let go.
By aia464
April 21, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Honorable Mention, have you gone to the State Attorneys or Commissioner Handel?
By coastalviewpoint.com
April 22, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
Hi Honorable Mention, We are still working on the story about TFG (INSIDE TFG).
We need another source. Would you email us?
Your identity will be protected.
Thanks, coastalviewpoint.com
By sad employee
April 22, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
Have to be a little careful, I guess the company is trying to identify who is posting, but Honorable Mention is correct, when I joined it was before Nick and Earl and we didn’t do public sector work, we had a good reputation for industrial type private sector work, then Robert got into in local politics starting with Cobb County Detention Center where the good sheriff entered the picture and then Earl showed up and then Cobb Splost and we’re hiring lots of Cobb County school employees, fund raisers really started in earnest and we branched out from Cobb into other counties and then states, we have some good people and do good work but sometimes we hear that we get no bid contracts awarded for construction after we acted as the program manager and that seems like a conflict since we are supposed to act as owners guide, not steer the work our way, but it doesnt really get talked about for fear of reprisals, when Nick and his cronies arrived it seems like ethics went out the window, we heard his former company had all kinds of problems and some good people that had been here for years left, mostly construction people, because they didn’t like some of the underhand stuff that is now being aledged, not sure how CK tolerated it because he always seems to be a stand up type person, but its hard to find anyone who has anything good to say about Nick, many want to believe that he is the one who created the project issues in Oxford not Robert or CK and that he should leave for the best of the company, and many think the deal making is just politics as usual and many companies do it, not sure where Mr Lamport is in all this matter since he left sometime ago but he was our head legal and finance guy and also set up the PAC’s, also not sure if Grant was aware of any of this during his brief tenure, posts are drying up because people are nervous but we’re finally paying of most of the vendors in Mississippi that were part of the civil suit so maybe that case will get dismissed.
By honest architect
April 22, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
Dear Sad Employee, please visit www.coastalviewpoint.com there is an email from Bud Mattingly to the Chairman and County manager of Glynn County, does not look good
By local brunswick
April 23, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Sad Employee, who is running FG now?
By Sad Employee
April 29, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Today we heard that Chatham County just pulled our contract for the new jail because of the criminal indictments and shoddy work on a TN project, Robert and Nick stepped down but not much has changed, its a legal move, Ennis Parker and Bill Moultrie have taken the leadership roles, surprised that another Sheriff still allows us to have his picture and quote on the website.
By south ga
April 29, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
Sad Employee, I read that article in the Savannah News, and the Madison County NC people are thinking twice about hiring FG
are you an architect?
By Sad Employee
April 30, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Several projects in jeopardy, campaign money has dried up and so will the work, layoffs are on the way, people are angry now that greed and sleeze of a few has brought this on the hard working ethical professionals, time to move on now, the spiral has started.
By aia464
April 30, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Sad Employee, are you an architect? A lot of good firms looking for good architects
By honest architect
April 30, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Is State Rep Erhart still an employee?
By honest architect
May 1, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Ennis and Bud,
How can a professional firm be selected as the PM, and then also be awarded the contract for Design/Build?
Please explain that one.
Professional Services Agreement with Facility Program Management, Inc. for design-build and program management at-risk for the Paulding County Government Complex with a GMP (guaranteed maximum price) not to exceed $65 million: Wayne Kirby made a motion to enter into a Professional Services Agreement with Facility Program Management, Inc. for design-build and program management at-risk for the Paulding County Government Complex with a GMP (guaranteed maximum price) not to exceed $65 million, seconded by Hal Echols; motion carried unanimously. (on file in the Administrator’s Office)
By Darrell
May 1, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
It happens all the time. They are working under a GMP. A PM firm often will design and bid out the work. It may get a GC to handle the project or they may decide to go direct to the subs and manage the entire project. It is very common in construction.
By honest architect
May 1, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this
as a contractor, that is not right
A PM serves as the Client Liasion between the Client and the Design or Design/Build firm.
That is like the chicken designing the chicken coop
come on get real
By honest architect
May 2, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Darrell,
As a contractor, this is not correct.
A PM is the liason between the client and the Designer or Design/Build team.
The PM sets the budget and schedule. So lets see, we have a PM firm settng budget, and then the same firms is hired to design and build???
This is the chicken designing the chicken coop!
By aia464
May 6, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Sad Employee, how are you doing?
maybe Bill Moultrie will be good for company.
If you are an architect, firms are looking
By Not involved
May 13, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
I’ve spent hours studying the information in this blog about this indictment. I only know Nick as a friend,a long time acquaintance, and a person I’ve regretably lost close contact with. I can tell you this though: I will stand by Nick’s character and do anything in my power to support him during this time. It’s shameful that Old South politics would sacrifice a fine gentlemen to make up for poor decisions to fund ($55 mil) a beef plant that did not seem to have much chance of success. My career is understanding risk and it looks like TFG took a risk on a project and when it did not work out the politicians in Mississippi needed a scape goat (or three). I wish Nick and the company the best. I don’t know the other parties personally and the last time I saw Nick was at the gym one Saturday last Fall, but I do know character and I believe with every fiber of my being that Mr. Cawood (Nick) did not knowingly do anything untoward. bc
By Sad Employee
May 16, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Not Involved, you are either Nick, a family member or one of his drone McClier toadies, Nick is the most universally hated person at the company, not too bright, just a selfish bully willing to do the dirty work with a checkered personal and professional past….get some new friends and a life, no one spends hours reading this
By atlanta architect
May 16, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
You tell em Sad Employee. How is the morale? I read the interview by Ennis Parker.
What I cant understand is how Moultrie took 2 polygraphs before the indictment was unsealed, and he requested of the Mississippi FBI to have the questions beforehand of the polygraph by the FBI
not too bright
By King-Florida
May 19, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
I have a ton of respect for Mr. Moultrie in all that he’s done over the years. He has done so much for Erskine College and Ga. Tech and other educational institutions to make them better. It’s not in his interest or his caracter to do somthing like this. He is a good business leader and a good man, who has giving his time and money for so many good causes. It surprises me that they’re trying to make a case out of this and are actually spending time and money on this so called indictment. There are so many other things that need to be addressed and focused on outside of this so called indictment. It sounds like there isn’t much going on in Mississippi these days.
By honest architect
May 19, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
King, do you live in Georgia?
Yes, Mr. Moultrie is a nice man and has done good things. But there are good people, who seemed to get sideways and caught up in the politics
By Sad Employee
May 20, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Morale is bad, but plenty of people are getting offers, some good people have already left or are leaving, cutbacks have started, we’ve lost several major deals both public and private sector, RFP’s drying up, no contributions so the polical cash bag is empty, SPLOST can’t save us this time, no way Cobb can give us another no bid deal, cash flow is really tightening so be careful you subs, worried that Ennis will be leaving soon, he has a solid reputation but now tainted at the end of his career, hwe is the front man but has no real authority, Robert owns it and still runs it, maybe into the ground this time, Billy is a nice but too emotionally involved to be effective or stand up to his dad, amazed Donya’s still here given what she has to handle since Judy left and Flip flipped, CK has aged and wants a plea but despite his attempts Feds wont take it without Robert and he still think he can talk his way out of this, Feds were never going to buy the lie detector tests the way they were done but he will have a chance to tell it to the jury, Feds not interested in his plea offers to date, they don’t want his money, they want his time, should have sold when he had the chance but like many of the high and mighty in life they get caught up in their own greed and start believing the rules don’t apply to them, then comes the fall, must be hard to be shunned by the movers and shakers that you used to rub elbows with, now they don’t seem to know your phone number anymore. August is coming so one way or another it will soon be over.
By rat_smeller
May 20, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Sad, it sounds bad. How long before you go from Sad Employee to “Gone Employee?” Seems like the sooner, the better… Flipper left? Did the increased workload get to him? Guess this was just another storm he couldn’t predict. What about Judy? Where did that little rocket go? I bet RM was sad to see his side squeeze go.
By Sad Employee
May 20, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Judy went to one of the crisis managemnt PR firms we hired and then fired to manage this mess, we must be smarter than the experts, Judy saw an opportunity and took it, side squeeze Judy…dont say that near the 3rd Mrs M….
By honest architect
May 21, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
Sad, is Jeanne Peck still there and Trina?
Really sad for the few good employees there.
Go Judy!
By Old Timer
May 23, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Isn’t it astonishing how one individual incorrectly placed in a position of authority can bring down an organization! Before Nick Cawood was made CEO of the company TFG was a great place to work; it was a large company but it was run like a small family operation that cared about their staff and about their clients. We lived by our motto of “exceeding clients expectations” and we were paid bonuses quarterly for our efforts. Then Nick came on board and just like any other virus or cancer, he succeeded in steadily eroding the morale, professional standards and finances of this once great company. I understand that this is no different than what he did at his previous company. It seemed that under Nick, the primary focus at TFG switched from quality and service to money and margins. If projections showed that 2 people are scheduled to finish a job but their next job has been delayed, more than 4 people would be laid off and the remaining project teams would be overload just to maximize profits. When the next project started Nick would wait to approve new hires, again overloading the professional staff until the clients begin to complain about the poor quality of the work being used to develop their guaranteed maximum price bids. Unfortunately some of these clients accept the GMP without fully understanding what is on, or not on, the drawings that form a part of the GMP. Although hefty contingencies are often included in the job costs, when the missed or mis-coordinated work causes overruns during construction, the client is simply told that this work was never a part of the GMP and is then hit with a change order (including profit and markups) on work that should have been covered in the first place. The new company motto is “One Source”. I have no idea what that is supposed to mean or how it works as a testimonial for the company or the work we do. It has been a pleasure to work alongside the professionals here at TFG, but I have slowly come to realize that while us “old timers” kept focusing on how great this company once was, we did not allow ourselves to recognize that our demise was inevitable with what seemed like Nick’s willingness to progressively sacrifice the company’s honor, pride, humility, character, reputation and professionalism in favor of arrogance and greed. It is now time for me to go; I regret that I allowed myself to be taken advantage of for this long!
By atlanta architect
May 26, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
Is Jeanne Peck and Trina still there?
good luck Old timer
By souther georgia
May 28, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Is Jeanne Peck and Trina Brizarte still there?
By Old Timer
May 28, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
Jeanne Peck is still here. Trina got laid off two weeks ago.
By atlanta architect
May 28, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
Old Timer, are you an architect? there a firms looking for good architects.
By shocked
May 29, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Dear “sad” and “ole timer” —-who sound like they are one and the same person - You are indeed a “sad” individual. You are a COWARD. Anyone who would first of all, spend hours blogging about something you know absolutely nothing about (on company time obviously) —and attack the very employer that’s putting bread and butter on your table —-is the lowest of low characters. You should be ashamed of yourself —what a short memory you have about all that your employer has provided you over the years. I don’t you feel any shame, however, because it’s obvious you have no conscience or charater whatsoever. Your days are numbered —-don’t let the door hit you in the butt! Good riddance. I feel sorry for your next employer, cause you’ll certainly be all ‘sour grapes’ with them as well. You are a gib guy wannabe and it just ain’t gonna happen —- Thanks for your loyalty…..remember it’s innocent until proven guilty…..also, sticks and stones may hurt, but your lying twisting words and stories will never amount to anything! You’ve only belittled and hurt yourself!
By south georgia architect
May 29, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Shocked, so all of the above is not true, that Trina and Judy Sparks is still with the company.
Shocked, can you share how the project was handled in Brunswick and Paulding County?
thanks
By Sad Employee
May 30, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Shocked, or should we call you Nick, the hyphenated typing gives you away, thanks for showing our readers how you operate and look down on people and why people are leaving. Seems like something hit a nerve, maybe it was the truth.
By Old Timer
May 31, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Shocked, I don’t know if you are Nick or not, but the tone of your blog certainly stinks of the arrogance of certain TFG managers, so let me straighten you out on a few facts. Firstly, the day you pay us a bonus is the day you can consider that you had anything to do with the bread and butter on anyone’s table. I like most of the professional staff here have been overloaded with work to maximize the company’s profits to pay for your company cars, country club memberships, “client lunches”, end of year bonuses and many other perks that you enjoy. So who is putting bread on whose table? Secondly I, like many others here, earn my money honestly and with integrity, unlike some of the TFG managers who look for any means necessary to “get it all”. This is why I, unlike some of the TFG managers, won’t be on trial come August/September! Lastly, that butter that you are so fond of referring to, you may want to keep some of that for yourself or donate my share to Nick, because if Karma stays true to form his cellmate will be some big banjo playing hillbilly from Mississippi whose favorite movie is Deliverance and ole Nick may need him suma dat thar butta to help him through those long, hot, hard prison nights when Bubba misses his favorite pig!! Tell him to consider that my bonus to him you arrogant SOB!!!
By atlanta architect
May 31, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Shocked, you are arrogant.
I work with a couple of ex Facility group people, and they shared no bonues and upper management only looked out for themselves.
you do sound like NIck!
By "Honor" ex
June 2, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
I also had the “honor” of working at TFG and all I can do is laugh b/c Karma is b*tch!! I watched as they (management) would stab each other in the back to get ahead, “set-up” people to lose their job b/c they didn’t like a person and now look, all of that for what,the company is going down the drain. I feel sorry for the hardworkers that were committed to Robert and the company b/c my experience with Robert was good. I just think that he had too many people around him that meant him no good. My prays go out to my ex-coworkers at TFG.
I’m so shocked that Judy left. LOL!! She had Robert wrapped around her finger. And when Robert needed her the most, she left. LOL!! I would have thought that she would be the one shutting off the lights when the TFG closes for business.
By "Honor" ex
June 2, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
I also had the “honor” of working at TFG and all I can do is laugh b/c Karma is b*tch!! I watched as they (management) would stab each other in the back to get ahead, “set-up” people to lose their job b/c they didn’t like a person and now look, all of that for what,the company is going down the drain. I feel sorry for the hardworkers that were committed to Robert and the company b/c my experience with Robert was good. I just think that he had too many people around him that meant him no good. My prays go out to my ex-coworkers at TFG.
I’m so shocked that Judy left. LOL!! She had Robert wrapped around her finger. And when Robert needed her the most, she left. LOL!! I would have thought that she would be the one shutting off the lights when the TFG closes for business.
By atlanta architect
June 2, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Honor ex,
Is Donya and Jeanne Peck still with firm?
good planners and architects neeed!
By Shocked
June 3, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen! You are such a little man/woman! But perhaps you’ll be one of those famous “boomerangs” when all this mess is over!? I am not Nick - he wouldn’t stoop to your level. He would direct his comments to your face, not in this cowardly fashion. The only reason I have responded is to put the shoe on the other foot for a change - but honestly, you aren’t worth it. When you “earn” management status (which in your case seems highly unlikely at any firm), then you can also make the decisions. Only pitiful little people hide and put down everyone above them. You probably don’t even like your own Mother! I’m out of here —-I’ve said everything I want to and whether you like it or not —-you’ve heard it and responded just as I would have predicted! Did we hit a big nerve of truth??
By atlanta architect
June 3, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
Shocked, guess you are still an employee. I applaud you staying in the “hot kitchen”
with the firm losing its bonding capability and good people leaving, how long will you be there?
sorry to hear about Trina, she was one of the few good ones there
By cookoo
June 6, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
leave people alone here i think ….company come and go… Facilty Group is near death Peace…
By atlanta architect
June 7, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Cookoo,
just read this morning State Rep Erhart has resigned!
are you still an employee? Good luck
By southgeorgia
June 7, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
what happens now that State Rep Erhart is gone? does this mean no more work with the Bd of Regents or DTAE?
By Georgia Architect
June 8, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
A. First the Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers (as well as all other boards where Moultrie is licensed) should hold an emergency meeting and suspend the architectural license of Moultrie pending completion of permanent revocation proceedings.
B. The AIA is not going to get another cent out of this architect in dues until Moultrie has been kicked out permanently.
C. This indictment is grounds for any other client of the Facility Group to terminate their contract. Public officials that have hired this company to perform government work that have not already began the process of terminating the architectural contracts rightly ought to have equal, severe, and expeditious scrutiny of their campaign disclosure forms.
D. The stench of sleeze in this company further infests itself upon any employee of this company who stays on in employment with full knowledge of its alleged criminal activities and in my opinion makes any architect non-hirable unless they resigned immediately upon gaining knowledge. (Dittos to Earhart for washing his hands of this slime)
E. May Moultrie and his minions rot in federal prison. He is a shameful disgrace to this profession. My overriding suspicion is that TFG is not the only architectural firm actively engaged in such activities. The message to other firm principal architects is clear: you can’t be first but you can be next-sweet dreams.
By honest architect
June 9, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
to Georgia Architect,
I concur! This favors have been happening for a very long time
By honest architect
June 9, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
**The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Suddenly, the biggest worry in local politics has become fallout from the federal indictment of the Facility Group, a Smyrna architectural and engineering firm that’s ram-rodding some of the biggest building projects undertaken by local governments in Atlanta.**
The company’s three top executives, as well as the firm itself, have been accused of funneling excessive campaign contributions to a public official in Mississippi to win a contract to manage the completion of a beef processing plant, which ultimately failed.
By Sad Employee
June 9, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
With Earl leaving the latest news/rumor is that there is no way Cobb County will award us Splost III even if it passes in September and that are competitors are heavily petitioning the County to prevent it. It will be voted on at the same time the trial is going on. Wonder what kind of golden handshake Earl got to leave and if he will come back after everything settles back down, he needs to make a living.
By honest architects
June 9, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
sad employee, why are you still there?
it would not look good if Cobb County hired the company for the next SPLOST. I believe it is going to be difficult to pass this time
By honest GA
June 10, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
is Jeanne Peck still marketing the BOR and DTAE?
By shocked
June 10, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
Yeah, sad employee, why in hell are you still hanging around? With your kind of loyalty and all your kind words about the very firm that gives you a paycheck, how can you show up to work for such, according to your words, a low life, criminal type firm and people? Can’t find anything better? I doubt the likes of you will ever find anyone of your caliber ——they don’t get any lower. Happy Hunting!!!
By honest architect
June 10, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
Sad, how is Jeanne doing? I know she markets the BOR and DTAE.
With the top guy gone, Ways and Means State Rep Erhart, where does she go?
By horse farm
June 11, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
heard Jeanne Peck is no longer there? where did she go?
By So Sad - TFG was a great company
June 12, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
This is so sad. I can’t believe everyone is leaving. Is Donya, Donna, Carol and the people in the Private sector still there? What happened to Grant?
By atlanta architect
June 12, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
We need some good project manager type architects
By honest GA
June 12, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Is Eric Anderson and Gary Retel still there. Hey Gary, we could use a good architect
By Dirt Digger
June 13, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Understand that TFG has lost a contract with Columbus Tech College for Wright Health Science Building worth many Million. Contract was awarded to Skakska last Friday. Down the tubes continues/.
By honestarch
June 13, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
wow. I know alot of their marketing gurus have left.
Gary Retel, we need you
By Ritta
June 17, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
I must say that honest architect sounds a bit bitter. You have apparently worked at Facility Group. I too worked there for a short time. They are a great group of people, but…they don’t all seem to live up to they promises. The marketing girls staff is execellent. I am sorry to hear Jeannie, Trina and Judy have left but I understand. They built the public sector up to what it is today. It’s too bad soem bribery had to screw it all up. So tell me this…WHY THE HELL DO YOU GET RID OF YOUR SALES TEAM IF YOU ARE LOOSING JOBS?? YOU NEED THEM! It seems FG has maintained the men in the sales group. Chauvinistic I would say. Richard is the only honest sales person still left. The other two remaining have both contributed to the campaigns. And please don’t thinnk Donya is all that innocent. She too contibuted to the campaign and was reimbursed by FG. To Sad Employee…please stop bashing the company. If you are unhappy get the f_ck out! After all you are gettign a pay check that pays your bills, puts food on your table and a roof over your head.
By yikes
June 17, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
this is getting way past ugly… there is other stuff out there
By By curious
June 18, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this
What about Bob Kopriva and Gordon Myers who joined the Facility Group’s Board of Directors on 8-14-07? What is their role? Also the Facility Group changed their name to TFG Management Inc in March of 2008.
By crazy stuff
June 18, 2008 6:04 AM | Link to this
Just why was Earl ever hired at the TFG in the first place…I believe his degree is in political Science. How would it be that this type of degree would lend itself to becoming the VP of aarchitect group??
By Bitter EX democrackkk
June 18, 2008 6:08 AM | Link to this
Gordon Myers? from Asheville NC? he’s a big ole corrupt democrackkk up here in WNC…is HE the one mentioned above?
Gordon Myers…which one?
By honest architect
June 18, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
to crazy stuff,
I agree! The only reason I can think of for a State Rep to work with FG, is his connections with the State (being the top guy with the Ways and Means)
How else did FG get awarded the $23 million CM contract for Columbus Technical College and $20 million for Athens Technical College
By By Curious
June 18, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
To Bitter,
Yes HE is the one, Gordon Myers from NC, previously appointed by the Gov of NC to serve as Chairman of NC’s Economic Development Board and former VP of real estate for Ingles Markets.
Why were Gordon Myers and Bob Kopriva selected for the the board of directors of the Facility Group? What is the connection? Are they actively involved with the current management of the Facility Group?
By honest architect
June 18, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Bitter,
Is Gordon and Bob still on the Board of Directors?
Please reply
By honest architect
June 18, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
Bitter,
Is Gordon and Bob still on the Board of Directors?
Please reply
By crazy stuff
June 18, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
To honest architect: Actually the more important position that Earl “the Pearl” E. holds is the chairman of the rules committee. He can almost stop any bill by himself. That position added to the the other makes him very useful to state contractors if he is willing to sell his services. 5 will get you 10 that he ends up working for someone who either has or wants some state contracts…..Any takers?
By honest architect
June 19, 2008 7:01 AM | Link to this
crazy,
Our firm does not want him. We want to win work on our own merits and qualifications.
I’m not crazy about him, but any firm who would take him has to be crazy
By Curious
June 19, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
To honest architect,
As far as I can tell, Gordon and Bob are still on the Board. You can check the announcement out at www.facilitygroup.com and then click on the release on the left hand side of your screen.
Does anyone know if these 2 are still on the board and if so, in what capacity?
By rat smeller's worst nightmare
June 19, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
hey rat b*******, i mean rat smeller. your name says it all. theres no need to bring up the tradgic accidental death of a beloved man for the sake of making your idiotic statements seem important. there is absolutly no relation between these two stories. This man was a million times greater than you will ever imagine to think you are. so go back to your pointless job, you nacy grace wanna be!!
By honest architect
June 19, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
rat smellers worst ,
what tragic accidental death are you talking about?
By honest architect
June 20, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Curious, here is the info on Meyers…
April-10-2008 Ok… Jonathan here is your copy for next weeks story Facility Groups “Gordon Myers” has resigned. We have also been informed that Mr. Myers is leaving his position at Advantage West. Wow ….now why would he leave these two illustrious positions? Hasn’t Myers been involved in this before… I mean leaving and resigning when it gets too hot in the kitchen….. Remember Jim Black…… Below are some excerpts from an article By David Rice and David Ingram from the Journal Raleigh Bureau November-2005 See Myers connection to other thugs in this state…..No wonder He and Elsberry Wyatt are such good friends.
RALEIGH
A federal grand jury heard more testimony yesterday from groups that hired Meredith Norris, a
former aide and political director to House Speaker Jim Black who became a lobbyist in the General
Assembly.
The grand jury subpoenaed records last month involving communications between Black’s office
and 28 parties, including Norris, video-poker and lottery operators, former Rep. Michael Decker,
the N.C. Partnership for Economic Development and a topless club in Raleigh.
Gordon Myers, a retired executive with Ingles Markets Inc. in Asheville, also testified yesterday.
Myers is the chairman of the Advantage West economic-development partnership and a leader in
the N.C. Economic Development Group, an association of regional economic-development
partnerships that hired Norris as its lobbyist this year.
Myers, who was appointed to the N.C. Lottery Commission in September by Black, resigned from
the commission this week. He cited findings by the N.C. Board of Ethics of a potential conflict of
interest if Ingles, in which he still owns stock, applies to sell lottery tickets.
Myers declined to discuss his testimony as he left the federal courthouse with his attorney.
Asked whether his appearance before the grand jury had anything to do with his resignation from
the lottery commission, he simply blurted out, “No.”
By aia44
June 22, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Gordon left FG in April. guess the heat was too much.
But Gordon, you are not out of the woods yet
By Ritta
June 24, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Jeannie Peck has resigned and gone to a competitor.
Gary Retal has also resigned.
Facility Group is looking to sell off it’s public sector group and keep the private sector.
By honest architect
June 24, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
when did Gary leave? I know he probably got a good job.
What is Ennis Parker and Eric Anderson doing thsese days?
By yikes
June 24, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
why can’t you people spell people’snames correctly? retal (retel), meyers (myers) geez
By honest architect
June 24, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
Yikes, do you still work there?
Do you think Ennis Parker and Joe Fenton will stay with the firm?
By yikes
June 25, 2008 6:22 AM | Link to this
no. don’t know, don’t care.
By curious
June 25, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
to aia44,
So Gordon left TFG in April, but what about Bob Kopriva?
Anybody know?
By atlanta architect
June 25, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Curious, did you read the MD Journal today, another indictment has been waiged against Moultrie and Facility Group
By Curious
June 25, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this
Atlanta architect, yes I did read about the most recent indictment against Moultrie and the Facility Group.
I also read somewhere the FBI is still investigating. The corruption seems to cross state lines with Economic Development Boards, public officials, and the Facility Group (i.e. Mississipp, Georgia, North Carolina).
It would be interesting to access The Facility Group’s list of clients and projects over the past 6-8 years in order to look for patterns.
I would still like to know if Bob Kopriva is part of TFG’s BOD. And if so, in what capacity.
By Very sad ex-employee
June 26, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
It’s not looking good for TFG. I feel so sorry for the good people that are still there. The funny thing is they never liked Grant but “buying” him out was the BEST thing they could have done for Grant.
I hope RM and NC assistants are not affected by this. They are very nice ladies.
I think it’s time for the TFG employees that are left to updated their resumes.
By Nixon - FacilityGate
June 26, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
What Did They Know and When Did They Know It?
The professional engineer referenced in the new indictments must be feeling vindicated now.
Professionals typically try to advise management of potential liabilities but since they typically don’t share in the corporate spoils are often overuled, told to be quiet or pushed out, that’s why whistleblower protection exists.
The discovery process is going to find other interesting information as the Feds have virtually unlimited supoena and search warrant abilities and the enquiry may broaden as they search and then interview others whose names appear in discoverable materials.
This new indictment evidence focuses on the classic “What did they know and when did they know it?” The cover up is often worse than the crime.
While not proven yet its certainly a smoking gun that the company knew the project was likely not viable and that taxpayers would get hurt and so they embarked on a course of actions to ensure that they got their head in the trough first. This new indictment does not look good for Nixon Cawood.
Ironic that the “What did they know and when did they know phrase became common during the Nixon Watergate coverup, now it apllies to another Nixon.
Does this make it Facilitygate?
Does anyone have a link to the full ammended indictment?
By atlanta architect
June 27, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Nixon-FacilityGate,
http://slabbed.wordpress.com/legal/usa-v-moultrie/
By atlanta architect
June 27, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
Nixon-FacilityGate,
http://slabbed.wordpress.com/legal/usa-v-moultrie/
By atlanta architect
June 27, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
who is Grant?
By Very sad ex-employee
June 27, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Grant was the CEO and part owner of TFG w/ Nick (COO) and Robert(at the time Chairman). He left the company last year.
I have a feeling that a lot of dirty is going to come out of this case.
By Nixon - FacilityGate
June 27, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
What Did They Know and When Did They Know It?
The link that was posted is for the original indictments, I am looking for the new indictments that were unsealed this week to review the additional charges. If anyone has the link please post.
By atlanta architects
June 29, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
still checking on recent unsealed indictment.
Who Is Ray Donovan?
Also is Bob Kopriva still with the firm?
Also, heard that Moultrie has a buyer for the public sector division
By Sop81_1
June 30, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
We now have the superseding indictment up at slabbed for those interested.
sop
By Sop81_1
June 30, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
We now have the superseding indictment up at slabbed for those interested.
sop
By Nixon - FacilityGate
July 1, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Took a quick look at the updated indiction, no surprises, there is a lot more substance now in the indictment as to how the conspiracy was planned and executed, the political contributions scheme is just the first act, the real meat is the conspiracy and intent to defraud charges. Its evident that they have now deposed several witnesses and Morehead is said to have been “directed” to do these things by Cawood, the classic Nuremberg defense, this should help Morehead and is indicative that he is looking to plea out in exchange for cooperation, hard given that he still works there but the company days are likely numbered as possibly indicated by another poster that they are selling off the public sector business. Cawood looks to be in very hot water and if there is a plea it will not be on the defendants terms and suspect that given other parties in this matter have already been convicted and are serving time that both Moultrie and Cawood will be joining them unless they elect to roll the dice with a local and likely unsympathetic jury. Don’t see how a jury of persons from the local area that was impacted will be likely to ignore actions taken by some politically well connected and wealthy people from out of state who appear to have defrauded the state and local economy. That wont play well. Given magnitude of the losses the potential restitution and fines will likely break what is left of the company so they may be looking for ways to spin other other parts of the business before its taken from them. Best guess Morehead pleas and is dismissed with a slap on the wrist, the lesser players, the design engineers etc who knew what could happen and those who helped fabricate false documentation for billing purposes are likely looking to leave or have left so they have new employers before the trail, hard to find a job once the trail hits the media and this will likely be a very public spectacle given political overtones, public moneys etc at the same time as a presidential election. Don’t see how continuing to delay the trail to next year would help either since other postings indicate business and thus cash flow is drying up. Contracting companies live and die by cash flow, the Public sector work is reportedly being jettisoned and dont see how they get any meat processing work given that this must be the talk of the industry, and this appears from their website to be the bulk of their private sector work. Market is soft so acquistion at bargain basement price may be the only answer but with a diminshing book of business, damage to the name and reputation and suspect the high integrity professionals have left or are leaving you’re not buying much, so why bother when you could just cherry pick the best people, thats what the smart competitors would do, or are doing. Thanks SOP81_1 for the posting.
By Very sad ex-employee
July 1, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Is it “business as usual” at TFG? Is it too late to plea guilty b/c I don’t think they have a chance with a Mississippi jury. If they are found guilty, what are they facing? Fines? Time? Both?
By Sop81_1
July 1, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Our juries here are most capable of deciding these cases on their merits Very Sad. It is never to late to cop a plea, in fact I’d rather think that is what the feds want.
You see the man who ended up with all the campaign cash has thus far skated and if he is dirty then TFG folks are the ones that can give him to the feds. That man is is former governor and current US sentate candidate Ronnie Musgrove.
2 people have already plea which no doubt helped facilitate the current TFG indictments. It will be interesting to see if this goes any further.
One final note about the mood here in Mississippi. Every politician involved was re-elected to office last year, which in the case of Commissioner Spell is mind boggling to me. There is not a large level of public outrage and the press is largely ignoring the case with one expception. The press coverage will pick up when the trial starts.
sop
By honest architect
July 1, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
* Another failed plant by Facility Group - New 50 Million Gallon Cellulosic Ethanol Facility at Augusta, Georgia Site to Begin Production by Mid 2007; PRAJ Technology and The Facility Group Selected to Assist in Engineering and Construction Le 20/07/2006*
Xethanol Corporation (AMEX:XNL), a biotechnology driven ethanol company, announced today that it has completed its due diligence process on its previously announced acquisition of a Pfizer pharmaceutical manufacturing complex in Augusta, Georgia and will be closing on the complex within 30 days. The company also announced plans to construct a 50 million gallon per year cellulosic ethanol plant on the site which would begin producing ethanol by mid-2007.
PRAJ Technology, an India based world leader in bio-ethanol technology will provide detailed engineering services, process design and licensing as well as the supply of vital sections of the process plant. PRAJ was also selected to provide the same services for Xethanol’s recently announced new 35 million gallon per year facility at its Blairstown, Iowa site.
The Facility Group of Atlanta, Georgia (www.facilitygroup.com) has been retained by the company to act as EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contractor for the new plant.
Christopher d’Arnaud-Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Xethanol, commented “Having completed our due diligence on the site, we decided to raise the capacity of this plant to 50 million gallons per year. It is being designed to run on a variety of feedstocks and we are already securing the necessary feedstock streams from the forest products industry to run at capacity when we begin production by mid-2007. By combining Xethanol’s proprietary technologies with those of PRAJ, we believe that we will have achieved our goal of being a low-cost producer of fuel ethanol from cellulosic materials. With our recent announcement of expanding our Blairstown, Iowa facility to 41 million gallons per year and bringing Augusta on line with 50 million gallons per year, our stated production goals are within our sights.”
Mr. Taylor further went on to say “We have selected two leading companies to facilitate the expeditious construction of the Augusta plant. PRAJ is a world leader in bio-ethanol technology, providing cutting edge design and construction and state-of-the-art engineering for ethanol production from a range of feedstocks. The Facility Group is one on the most highly regarded facilities contractors in the country. We are very pleased to be working with both PRAJ and The Facility Group on this project.”
Lucas Rice, Xethanol’s VP of Operations stated “This site is a prime example of Xethanol’s strategy of exploiting shuttered industrial capacity and converting facilities that already have existing infrastructure to produce ethanol. In doing so, the company is able to save significant time and money in bringing facilities on line. This site, in particular, has millions of dollars in equipment and infrastructure in place and ready to use for ethanol production.”
About PRAJ
PRAJ is a global Indian company that offers innovative solutions to significantly add value to ethanol production processes and related wastewater treatment systems for customers worldwide. PRAJ is a Knowledge based company with expertise and experience in Bioprocesses and engineering backed up by a well equipped research and development centre and manufacturing facility. It delivers Know how, License, engineering design, plant and equipment, project management, commissioning and customer care. Led by an accomplished and caring leadership, PRAJ is a socially responsible corporate citizen.
About The Facility Group of Atlanta
The Facility Group is a professional service organization providing consulting, program management, architecture, engineering and construction management services in a wide variety of technical and industrial niches as well as across a broad spectrum of government and public sectors. Headquartered in Atlanta, with offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, Denver and Amsterdam, the firm employs over 250 professionals.
By Very sad ex-employee
July 1, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Thanks Sop81_1
I think they should just talk to the Feds b/c if not, a lot of things will come to light.
By atlanta architect
July 1, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
What do anyone of you know about the failed energy plant in Augusta? smells like an ex State Rep Robin Williams (who is serving time), Erhart and Facility Group Xenthol?
By atlanta architect
July 1, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
What do anyone of you know about the failed energy plant in Augusta? smells like an ex State Rep Robin Williams (who is serving time), Erhart and Facility Group Xenthol?
By AIA Architect
July 2, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
Can someone share the status of FG work on the failed Xenthol plant in Augusta?
By huh?
July 6, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Honest Architect: How has the Xethenol plant “failed”? Looks like you just posted a general announcement about the project. Obviously, I am the only one who even read it, because subsequent posters just looked at your “headline” and assume that it “failed.” Oh, by the way, you are an absolute idiot.
By huh?
July 6, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Let me clarify: Your headline, at the very least, implies that Facility Group did something wrong or caused the project to fail. That clearly was not the case. No contractor can be held responsible if an owner chooses not to proceed with a project. You seem hell-bent on smearing Facility Group regardless of the facts, so I’m probably wasting my time.
By atlanta architect
July 7, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
to huh,
my bad. locals said opposite
By honest architect
July 9, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
where is everybody? guess tired of the facility group saga?
Huh, are you still employed with Facility Group?
By atlanta architect
July 11, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
where is everyone? Guess the FG is old news now?
By Ex employee
July 11, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
I was thinking the same thing. It might pick back up in August when the trial begins.
I would how the morale is not at TFG
By yikes
July 11, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
i see why “ex employee” is an ex employee
By atlanta architect
July 13, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Guess you saw on the news yesterday (Saturday) showing Moultrie on Channel 2 news requesting a 2nd Daubert Hearing. He is defnitely afraid of the confession of jailed Sean Carouthers.
By Ritta
July 15, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
TRANSYSTEM IS HIRING! They want to talk to Facility Group employees. They need Architects or Engineers with warehouse/distribution facility development experience about high-level client management or project management opportunities in Kansas City, Minneapolis, and Phoenix. The contact is Steve Lucas and you can reach him at (562) 594-6974 or selucas@transystems.com
From a fellow employee who is still searching for a job.
By yikes
July 15, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
if “ex employee” is working there, go somewhere else
By atlanta architect
July 16, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Can someone share their thoughts on Cobb County hiriing Facility Group for the new Superior Courthouse. RFP is expected out soon. Will Chairman Oleans and the Sheriff put their neck on the line to hire Facility Group/Joe Fenton?
By Aditi
July 17, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
ya Gardon is now serves on board of talent technology corporation.Aditi Addiction Recovery Mississippi http://www.addictionrecovery.net/mississippi
By atlanta architect
July 17, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
yikes,
Do you think Cobb County Chairman Oleans the BOC will select the Facility Group out of the many proposals they will receive on the Design/Build of the $55 million courthouse
By Nixon - FacilityGate
July 17, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Given the flurry of motions being filed it looks like we have a trail getting close here and both sides are doing what they get paid to do, limit their adversaries weapons before they get in front of the jury. The motions to dismiss and to divide the case into two plus motions to exclude testimony and disqualify experts is typical legal jousting and judging by the number of lawyers listed in the motions there are some significant billing hours here so expert more motions pretrial.
None of these should cause either the Judge or the Plaintiffs to sweat too much, nothing complicated in the case and the fact record appears to be strong judging by what you can find on Pacer or vis the links on interested websites.
Its going to be a long hot summer for the defendants and given others are already serving time the outcome is less than certain, betting money right now would have to be on Uncle Sam.
Surprised though that the lesser players have not plead out, must be some strong motivations or incentives in play.
By gmsmith
July 17, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
To Nixen - Facility Gate: You are a real a***** and a sorry excuse for an individual - apparently no conscience at all, or you couldn’t sleep at night the way you are so set on talking trash —-about something you know very little about. The press reports the negative side only —-don’t you know that? I wouldn’t believe everything you read, but hey, you obviously don’t have anything to do and haven’t had anything to do for a long time. Your actions speak volumes about your character.
By Nixon - FacilityGate
July 17, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
gmsmith, I have read all the legal filings on the case through PACER and base my comments on those not the press reports. No trash talk in my comments and point out that facts are unproven until the jury has the case in their hands. No stake in this, just familiar with the process and had heard some other interesting things about this company locally and their use of political ties to help win no compete unbonded tax payer funded work which is challenging which prompted a google search and came across the case.
But your use of hyphons and vitriol suggests to this juror that you do have a stake may be related to “shocked” or maybe just working in the company PR department with him or her, not proven, just an observation.
But if you have the other side of the story please enlighten us. No one seems to dispute that political funds were bundled from employees who were then reimbursed (per Ennis Parker)to curry favor and that contractors were not paid until very recently in a last ditch effort to negate the civil suit (see Civil filings)or that the plant failed and that company internal experts warned Nixon to that fact early in the process and that documents have been discovered evidencing that (see amended suit) or that they overbilled the taxpayers whether it be to the tune of $2+ million per the suit or $500,000+ which is in the latest filing from the company, either way its overbilling. But its an adversarial process and right now this observer views the information to be favoring the plaintiff.
By yikes
July 17, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
atlanta architect: no. Nixon-Facilitygate: yakity blab, blab blab
By atlanta architect
July 18, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
NixonFailitygate, I agree with you.
To GMSmith, I too have read all of the court documents, ie Indictment, 2nd Indictments, the 2 request for Daubert Hearings, the 2 polygraphs, etc.
I think Moultrie got caught up in the likes of ex State Rep Robin Williams (who is serving time) and Nick Cawood.
Good luck.
Also, if Moultrie is profoundly sure he is innocent, why did he ask for the 2nd Daubert Hearing, to shut up Sean Carouthers from testifying.
By marlowe
July 18, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Looks like the good ol’boy network is getting its hand slapped. Hope they serve sweet tea in prision.
By atlanta architect
July 18, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Marlow,
I agree, it is time to wipe out the good ole boy system, and let some others play!
By shocked
July 18, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Not worth responding to previous comments- I’ll just leave it to all you negative experts who have all the facts, know the case, assume the parties are guilty, have nothing better to do than send negative words, etc… and, in general, sound like very negative, hateful people. Be careful - you’re day is coming! Nixon, you must be a real piece of work —-and Atlanta Architect, you must need a job or you must not have very much work to do! You’ve been at this for months!
By south georgia
July 18, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Shocked, please read the below Exhibit from Carouthers Construction, and please advise if there was any wrongdoings between FMI, FGD, and its other subdiaries.
http://slabbed.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/us-v-moultrie-carothers-testimony.pdf
By honest architect
July 21, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Looks like they are releasing Sean Caruthers, to testify on August 10 and 11th against Robert Moultrie and company
By not shocked
July 21, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
BEEF PLANT UPDATE: Carothers to get out of prison 7/21/2008 12:07:50 PM Daily Journal
OXFORD - Sean Carothers, who pleaded guilty to defrauding the Community Bank of Rankin County during construction of the Mississippi Beef Plant, will be out of federal prison soon to help the government in its prosecution of others accused in the scandal.
Carothers has been in a federal prison in Pensacola, Fla., since soon after his March 2007 guilty plea.
His release was ordered today by U.S. District Senior Judge Neal Biggers Jr., who reduced Carothers’ sentence to 12 months and one day, with the rest of be served on house arrest.
Biggers also ordered Carothers to report within two days of his release to the U.S. Probation Service in north Mississippi.
On Jan. 16, 2007, Carothers pleaded guilty to a scheme to defraud the bank with the plant’s owner Richard Hall Jr. Both men have been in prison for their misdeeds.
Friday, U.S. Attorney Jim Greenlee asked Biggers for Carothers� early release for greater convenience in preparing its case against three Georgia executives and their company, accused in another scheme to defraud the state of Mississippi and others related to the defunct beef processing plant in Yalobusha County.
In a motion filed Friday, Greenlee told Biggers Carothers had “spent hundreds of hours” analyzing documents and helping the government build its case against The Facility Group of Smyrna, Ga.
That case is set to go to trial Aug. 25 in Oxford.
By honest architect
July 21, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
to Shocked, what are your thoughts on the prison release of Sean Carouthers?
By honest architect
July 24, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
Where is everybody? Sean is out of prison.
Visit wordpress/slabbed for his 2-page testimony
By Beef Guy
July 28, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Is the Robert Moultire indicted in this case the same one who raises beef cattle and has a website www.moultriemeadows.com ? If so he should know firsthand that a beef kill plant in northern miss wasn’t going to be ecomonically feasible. Just curious, Beef Guy
By honest architect
July 28, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
Beefguy, yes they are one in the same
By yikes
July 30, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
wow, I had no idea
By ed
July 31, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
Here is the bottom line. In Government contracting a firm must avoid even the slightest appearance of impropriety. Somewhere along the line, TFG crossed the line and started down the slippery slope of moral and ethical compromise. It undoubtedly happened little by little and probably innocently enough at first. TFG would not have grown and survived as long as it did without good people at the helm and in the trenches. No doubt Mr. Moultrie was a good man , a good leader and cared/cares about his people. However, as any good leader will acknowledge, the fish stinks from the head. Innocent or not, he is responsible. The honorable thing to do in this case is to sacrifice one’s personal psoition, wealth and privilege for the good of all the TFG family. Even if they are not indicted TFG is a goner. Fall on the sword, pay whatever fines are demanded, disband the company and give whatever money is left to the kids and let them start over. This time do it right , operate your business so that you are beyond reproach. “The honest man has no fear or dread of the future, because his walk is blameless, GOD himself will protect him” and by implication all his business interests. Thats the Bible TFG leaders… Spend some time reading it then live it out in your business life, and you will be unable to avoid success. Good luck to all present and former TFG associates.
By yikes
August 1, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
ok, thanks for that
By honest architect
August 1, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
ed, very well written.
wonder how many people are still at Facility Group?
By Former TFG Estimator
August 11, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
I used to work at Facility Group in estimating and a friend of mine who still works there sent me the link:
http://slabbed.wordpress.com/legal/usa-v-moultrie/
this weekend and asked me about how we estimated insurance on projects. On all projects I worked on we had the same insurance percentage calculated, it was a simple spreadsheet formula and every project was charged the same amount. If the company overcharged the Beef Project then company overcharged all its clients by the same amount and looks like insurance was just anopther soft cost line item to make a profit.
I had not seen anything about this case before, I moved away several years ago but I do feel sorry for employees since the documents also include actual labor rates so you can see who gets paid what and that always hurts morale.
By Robin Williams is not funny
August 11, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Now we learn Robin Williams was tag teaming with Earl on the bag money deals for Bob Mo’Tree and crew, Willams grand jury testimony looks bad for, Caruthers cell is vacant and bed still warm
By sop81_1
August 11, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
Robert Moultrie just plead guilty.
By Curioser
August 11, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
So what about former Cobb county sheriff, Bill Hutson? Did he perform any favors for TFG in jailin’ in return for the TFG job after retirement? It’s been rumored certain folks’ employees were stalked and harassed by cops, the workers ticketed out of jobs for the sake of keeping Hutson’s “friends” businesses intact and, as kings on the Cobb County mountain. Hope it ain’t so. Where’s Hutson’s beef?
By honest architect
August 12, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
I heard ex Sheriff Hutson is now working for Hardin Construction, it this true?
If so, Hardin you might not should play with hm.
By Wonder?
August 12, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
I wonder if Nick and CK are going to plead out too? what’s going to happen to Facility Group?
By honest architect
August 12, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
Let’s take a look at who is “buying into” Paulding County Government.
I know The Facility Group is building our new county couthouse and administration complex. I believe they did the BOE building and some of the schools the past couple of years. And I know there are relationships between Earl Earnhardt a State Senator from Cobb County and The Facility Group, He works there.
When I read the article about the 3 guys from The Facility Group who were indicted in Mississippi yesterday, one of the names, Robert Moultrie, rang a bell. So I pulled out my copy of Jerry Shearin’s December 31, 2007 campaign contributions.
Sure enough: Robert Moultrie, Owner of the Facility Group, $2000
Donya Green Edier, Exec. VP of the Facility Group, $2000
Neighbors for Earl Earnhardt, Sales Rep for the Facility Group, $2000
Facility Group Political Action Committee, $2000
Facility Holding Corp, The Facility Group, $2000
The Facility Group obtained the contract for the design and construction of our new Paulding County Courthouse and Administration Complex for $65 million dollars without having to do go through a competitive bid process. I wonder if there are some disgruntled architechtural firms out there who did not even get to discuss their bids with the county ?
Wonder if the FBI would be interested in investigation these contributions? Sounds awfully similar to the campaign contribution indictments in Mississippi.
By Curiouser
August 13, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
This goes all the way up to untouchables like McCullagh, Sewell and Godfrey. They’ll throw Moultrie, Cawood and Morehead under the bus and stop there.
In Cobb County one businessman said in 1999, he couldn’t stay in business because the “law” favored his competitors, thus, his workers were constantly stalked by police, given tickets and of course had to be terminated…..
That’s how a true, Southern genuine, bonafide “good-ole-boy” network really works. They’re in the business of destroying anybody who gets in their greed/power paths.
If you’re not ‘IN,” you simply don’t exist.
It’s just another sport.
By dunwoody24
August 16, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
what happens now to Facility Group? Will the State of Georgia and Cobb County keep giving them work
By Robin Williams is not funny
August 22, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
I just checked the facility group website to see if they made changes, looks like biz as usual at least for now, looked at job opportunities page but didnt show any openings for Chairman, CEO, President, COO so maybe they will manage it from the cellblock, wouldn’t it be ironic if they had design and built the country club fed pen they get to call home for the next 1-2 years, don’t slip on the soap…
By Lisa Lover
August 22, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
All I know is that The Facility Group good ole boys get what they deserve. The lower tier of employees were treated like the slaves of the old South, to cater to the greedy plantation owners. Those arrogant b******* are still probably trying to buy their way out of this mess.
By dunwoody12
August 24, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
to Lisa Lover,
you are so right! Moultrie, Cawood, Erhart and Bud Mattingly.. top tier destoryed the lives of many hard working people at the firm.
Any shame? How does Ennis Parker and Bud Mattingly continue to work for such a firm?
By dunwoody12
August 24, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
to Lisa Lover,
you are so right! Moultrie, Cawood, Erhart and Bud Mattingly.. top tier destoryed the lives of many hard working people at the firm.
Any shame? How does Ennis Parker and Bud Mattingly continue to work for such a firm?
By Mississippi Wants Its Money Back
August 25, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Does anyone know status of Civil Lawsuit against facility by State of MS, we are seeking $9 million, even though the feds dropped the charges the company still knew the plant would fail and overcharged the state.
By dunwoody
September 7, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
to Mississippi wants money back,
you are so right. Is there a civil suit? Yes, they did know the plant would fail.
It appears Moultrie and his gang just got a little slap on the hand and the firm, Facility Group will be back do business as usual. keep us posted