Wage Theft Scheme Highlights Risks for Construction Owners: Maryland Contractor Sentenced

The recent sentencing of Jose Walter Marquez Rivera, a Beltsville-based construction company owner, shines a spotlight on an issue that affects not just workers but also the integrity of the construction industry. Marquez, 43, owner of Congratulations Construction Inc., was sentenced in Prince George’s County Circuit Court for his role in a wage theft scheme involving over $100,000. His sentence includes 90 days in jail, five years of supervised probation, and $291,333.07 in restitution. This case was the result of a comprehensive investigation by the Joint Enforcement Task Force on Workplace Fraud, in collaboration with the Maryland Office of the Attorney General and the Comptroller’s Office.

What This Means for Construction Owners

For construction owners across Maryland and the nation, this case serves as a critical reminder of the importance of ethical practices in payroll management, especially on projects subject to prevailing wage laws. Marquez’s company, which provided drywall carpenters and laborers for two major projects at the University of Maryland, was found to have falsified payroll records and underpaid employees—a violation that has far-reaching implications. Not only did it harm the workers directly, but it also undermines trust in the entire construction sector.

At ConstructionOwners.com, we believe it is crucial for owners to adopt transparent, fair payroll processes, ensuring compliance with local labor laws and fostering positive relationships with their workforce. Wage theft is not just a legal issue; it’s an ethical one that impacts worker morale, project success, and a company’s reputation. As Attorney General Anthony G. Brown rightly noted, "Hardworking Marylanders deserve to be paid what they are owed." For construction owners, this reinforces the need to prioritize wage transparency and compliance to protect both employees and their business.

By staying informed and implementing robust payroll systems, construction owners can prevent these kinds of costly and damaging errors while maintaining industry standards. This case is a stark reminder that wage theft will not be tolerated, and companies that engage in such practices risk severe penalties.