Ohio ice manufacturer pleads guilty to conspiracy to eliminate compettition in souteastern Michigan

6/18/2008

CINCINNATI Federal officials say an Ohio packaged-ice manufacturer has pleaded guilty to conspiring to suppress and eliminate competition in Detroit and southeastern Michigan.

Cincinnati-based Home City Ice Co. faces a fine of $100 million that could be increased by a judge. The Justice Department says the company agreed to a plea deal in November. The plea was unsealed Tuesday in U.S. District Court.

Under the deal, Home City Ice has agreed to cooperate in an ongoing investigation of the packaged-ice industry.

The company says a former employee was primarily responsible for actions that led to the federal probe.