Former Brown, ISC Executives Sentenced

John Riley, a former ISC Contracting partner, and Chris Gray, former Director-Facilities at Brown Shoe Company, Inc., went before a federal judge Oct. 14 to be sentenced for defrauding Brown Shoe of about $340,000. Both pled guilty to the charges, stating in their guilty pleas that others at Brown Shoe and ISC Contracting were unaware of their fraudulent activities.

Christopher Gray and John Riley were sentenced Wednesday in federal court in St. Louis. Gray is a former director of corporate facilities for Clayton-based Brown Shoe. He was placed on probation for three years. Riley received two years of probation. He was part-owner of St. Louis-based Interior Systems Contracting.

The U.S. Attorney's office says restitution has been made.

Both men previously pleaded guilty to one count each of mail fraud.

Interior Systems Contracting provided interior construction and renovation of Brown Shoe office space. Authorities say Riley inflated invoices with the inflated money used to renovate Gray's St. Louis County home.

Regarding the sentencing, the companies issued the following statements:

"John was immediately terminated from ISC this past February when my partner, Scott Seymour, and I first discovered the fraudulent activity. While his final sentencing has no impact on us or our operations, it should bring this unfortunate chapter in our history to a close.

I am grateful to our many customers, vendors and family members who rallied behind us during this difficult time. I will never forget it. Scott, the entire staff and I continue to work hard every day to demonstrate we are worthy of their trust and support." - Dan Green, President of ISC Contracting

"Mr. Gray's actions were clearly inconsistent with Brown Shoe's commitment to doing the right thing for our customers, shareholders, associates and the community. We are pleased that this matter has been resolved and that we have received full restitution from Mr. Gray and Mr. Riley, and we thank ISC Contracting for their partnership during this difficult time." - Michael Oberlander, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Brown Shoe

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