Providence Journal photo / Kathy Borchers
Ralph Mariano Jr.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - One of several people charged as part of a federal investigation into an alleged $10 million kickback scheme targeting the U.S. Navy has agreed to plead guilty to tax evasion.
A lawyer for Ralph Mariano Jr. of North Providence on Thursday said his client plans to change his plea.
Mariano's son, Ralph M. Mariano, a former Navy employee, is accused by prosecutors of being the ringleader of the scheme, which allegedly used Navy contractors to funnel government money back to the younger Mariano and others.
Mariano Jr. is accused of failing to pay taxes on the money he received. He is in his 80s.
The younger Mariano and his girlfriend, Mary O'Rourke, are scheduled to go to trial next month.
Three others have already pleaded guilty in the case.