Gainesville businessman pleads guilty in federal fraud case

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - The owner of the now dissolved Gainesville company, Rainbow Produce of Gainesville, signed a plea deal in a federal fraud case involving taxpayer money.

President of the company William Brittenham is being charged with conspiring to commit an offense against the United States, officials say. Prosecutors say Brittenham schemed to defraud a government fresh food program.

The company produced “snack packs,” which included fruit and vegetables obtained from a sister company, for military and school kitchens.

Both companies made false claims on the whereabouts of the food being grown and knowingly overcharged the government, prosecutors say.

Brittenham is due to be sentenced later this month.

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