◆ SpookStack

~39- Sometime in late 1970 or early 1971, Matz received a telephone’ call from the close associate who told him that there was an upcoming federal project and that some or all. of the engineering contracts could be controlled by the Vice President. He told Matz that, as “usual, he would be expected to make a payment in order to receive acontract. At first, Matz resisted on the ground that he was entitled. to this job without a payment by virtue of his prior —, — payments, but the close associate insisted, and Matz agreed to a payment of $2,500.00. Matz asked that the contract be awarded to a certain small company in which.Matz, Childs and Associates had an interest, and that small company was later awarded the contract. Thereafter Matz received another telephone call from the close associate, during which they agreed that the payment would be made in the Vice President's office. Matz contacted the president of the small company and explained that a payment was necessary in connection with the contract. The man at first balked and refused to make any such payment, but he subsequently agreed to participate. An appointment. was then made for Matz to meet with Vice President Agnew in the latter's office in Washington. This, meeting occurred in the spring of 1971. The evidence is somewhat contradictory as to whether or not the close associate was present at the meeting. Matz placed an envelope containing the $2,500 cash on the Vice President's desk and stated that the envelope contained the money required for the contract. When he left the meeting, the envelope had not been removed from the desk, but moments later Matz reentered the office and noticed that the envelope was gone. Matz received $1,000 from the president of the small company as his contribution to this payment.