Textile exec accused of bribing Amtrak officer for contracts

MILFORD, Del. – A former textile manufacturing executive is accused of bribing an Amtrak employee to secure contracts worth millions for his Delaware employer.

The News Journal reports Scott Crothers is charged with bribing Timothy Miller with more than $20,000 cash and multiple trips to Rehoboth Beach. Miller pleaded guilty last year to his side of what prosecutors called a “kickback scheme” that resulted in First State Manufacturing winning nearly $8 million in contracts for seat cushions and carpeting from the government-owned train company.

Crothers’ attorney indicated in court documents filed this month that another First State Manufacturing executive will be charged.

An attorney for the firm’s co-owner says First State Manufacturing is co-operating with authorities. The lawyer, Elizabeth Fenton, called the scheme “an aberration.”

Crothers’ plea hearing is scheduled for February.

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Information from: The News Journal of Wilmington, Del., http://www.delawareonline.com