Charges filed in ISU over-billing case

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By Charlotte Eby | Friday, July 14, 2006 1:08 AM CDT | () comments

DES MOINES — The Iowa Attorney General’s office has filed criminal charges against the owner of an Ames construction firm accused of over-billing Iowa State University for more than $400,000 in services that state officials say were never performed.

Thomas M. Hinders Jr. faces three counts of first-degree theft and one count of ongoing criminal conduct.

Hinders was given until 3 p.m. Friday to turn himself in to authorities. Story County District Court Judge Carl Baker set bond at $30,000. An arraignment on the charges is set for July 31.

An investigation by State Auditor David Vaudt found Hinders’ company, Hinders & Associates Construction Services of Ames, billed ISU for more than 15,000 hours of work that could not be verified.

In some cases, the company submitted invoices that showed a single worker putting in more than 24 hours in a single day.

The company had a contract to complete several smaller projects around the ISU campus.

Hinders, 48, could face 10 years in prison on each of the theft charges if he is convicted and could face a 25-year prison term on the charge of ongoing criminal conduct if he is found guilty.

Hinders’ attorney, William Talbot, has denied his client overcharged ISU and argues that the university owes Hinders $149,000. Hinders has sued ISU in Story County District Court in an attempt to recover payment he says is due.

Talbot could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday.

Charlotte Eby can be contacted at (515) 243-0138 or chareby@aol.com.