Suffolk Reporter

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the indictment of Robert Terry, a 65-year-old resident of Southampton and owner of Terry Contracting & Materials, Inc. Terry faces charges related to the willful failure to pay the prevailing wage rate to his employees. The allegations involve misclassifying work categories on certified payrolls, leading to underpayments amounting to approximately $83,694.

District Attorney Tierney stated, "This defendant allegedly pocketed money that would have gone to his workers and their families." He emphasized that authorities will not permit business owners to exploit workers by withholding legally mandated wages on projects funded by taxpayers.

The investigation revealed that between March and August 2018, Terry worked as a contractor for the Davis Park Marina Improvement project. This public works contract required contractors to pay employees the correct prevailing wage rates according to their job tasks. Additionally, Terry was obligated to submit certified payrolls affirming compliance with these wage requirements during the project.