Potomac man pleads in contracting scandal

A federal government contractor pleaded guilty to providing false information in an investigation that led authorities to possibly the largest kickback and bribery scheme in U.S. contracting history. Ted N. Hallas, 39, vice president of Nova Datacom in Chantilly, pleaded guilty to wire fraud. In a related case, Roger Malik, 44, of MED Trends in Rockville, was indicted on counts of conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud and a making false statement in connection with submitting false documents to federal agencies to win at least $20 million in government contracts.

Hallas, of Potomac, and Malik, of Columbia, are former colleagues. Hallas admitted that he assisted MED Trends in competing for a contract with the U.S. Department of Labor.