Employer is guilty of keeping workers' pay

The owner of a Rice, Minn., trucking company who failed to pay his employees a prevailing wage pleaded guilty this week to felony theft by swindle, according to the Hennepin County attorney's office. Gary F. Bauerly, owner of Watab Hauling, admitted he diverted more than $52,000 from his employees' wages between 2005 and 2007 and submitted documents that falsely stated that employees were being paid government-stipulated wages for road projects. As part of his plea agreement, Bauerly agreed not to contest any action by government agencies to prohibit Watab from working with them. The agreement also calls for a 21-month stayed sentence and more than $52,000 in restitution. Sentencing is set for Feb. 25.