Newton man charged with transport big rigging

BOSTON -- A Newton man is facing charges for allegedly paying thousands on dollars in kickbacks to a quasi-state agency to win transportation contracts for Medicaid patients.

Alex Shrayber was ordered held on $50,000 bail after pleading not guilty Tuesday at his arraignment in Leominster District Court.

Prosecutors say the 55-year-old Shrayber paid a Montachusett Regional Transit Authority employee in Fitchburg monthly cash bribes between $300 and $500 to land contracts for his five transportation companies transporting Medicaid patients to medical appointments. Authorities allege the scheme from 2007 until this April helped Shrayber win contracts over competitors who made lower bids.

His lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment.

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