NEW YORK – The developer of Vineyard Commons, a luxury residential
complex in Highland, was sentenced in federal court on Wednesday to three
years and one month in prison.
Michael Barnett, 47, of Marlboro, pled guilty last January to conspiring
to defraud lenders and make false statements to the US Department of Housing
and Urban Development.
Two contractors – Robert Lees and Kevin DiCello – were willing
to go along with Barnett’s demand for an $865,000 kickback so they
could get more business from Barnett in the future,” said Manhattan
US Attorney Preet Bharara.
Lees, who was convicted in May, will be sentenced in December while DiCello,
who pled guilty in April, is scheduled to be sentenced next January.
