BY PHILLIP PINA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Two Delhi Township men have indicated they will plead guilty to federal charges accusing them of making faulty repairs to aircraft engines.
George Geisz, 55, of the 100 block of Pedretti Avenue and Douglas Walters, 30, of the 400 block of Pedretti each signed a plea agreement to one count of making false statements. The charge carries a maximum five-year prison sentence and a $250,000 fine.
The plea agreements, along with the charges, were filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati. No court date has been set. Mr. Geisz was the owner of Cleves-based Aero Power Inc., and Mr. Walters was his chief inspector. The company was a Federal Aviation Administration-certified firm repairing and overhauling aircraft engines from 1990 until closing in 1997.
According to court papers filed by Ralph Kohnen, an assistant U.S. attorney, at least three aircraft engines overhauled by Aero Power in 1996 and 1997 were found to be defective.
Despite paperwork saying that the repairs had been done properly, inspectors found used parts were installed where new ones were required. They also found that defective parts were installed and that the engines were not airworthy, court records said.
The court documents said the U.S. attorney's office may recommend a reduced sentence for both in the event each helps investigate and prosecute others who may have committed offenses. That recommendation is non-binding.
Mr. Kohnen would not say Wednesday whether others will face charges in connection with Aero Power.
As part of the agreement, Mr. Geisz and Mr. Walters will no longer repair or overhaul aircraft engines. They also agreed to make restitution, about $110,000 from Mr. Geisz and about $49,000 from Mr. Walters.
