Historic Win: DOJ Achieves Landmark Criminal Wage-Fixing Conviction in Home Health Care Staffing Case

In a groundbreaking case on April 14, 2025, Eduardo Lopez, a home healthcare staffing executive, became the first individual convicted in a jury trial for criminal wage-fixing under the Sherman Act. This trial took place in the District of Nevada and marked a significant step forward for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in tackling labor market collusion.

Lopez and other staffing agency leaders were found guilty of conspiring to set wage rates for home health nurses in Las Vegas. The DOJ accused Lopez of not only fixing wages but also hiding an ongoing antitrust investigation from a buyer who paid over $10 million for his agency. The evidence against him included incriminating texts and conversations that revealed his participation in the wage-fixing scheme, which suppressed the pay of many healthcare workers.

Since regulatory focus on labor antitrust violations has intensified, this case stands as a notable milestone. It follows several previous losses for the DOJ, which struggled to secure convictions in similar cases that ended in acquittals or dismissals. In light of this background, Lopez’s conviction shines a light on the increasing seriousness with which authorities are addressing wage-fixing and collusion among employers.

Experts in labor economics emphasize that this conviction may encourage more employees to step forward with private lawsuits against companies involved in wage-fixing, as they could now see a path to rehabilitation. Federal policies are shifting to view labor market collusion, such as wage-fixing and no-poach agreements, as clear violations of antitrust laws.

In recent surveys, 74% of workers reported that they believe wage-fixing harms employee compensation (source: Bureau of Labor Statistics). This reveals a growing awareness of and concern about potential violations in the labor market. To add to that, historical patterns show that the labor market’s evolution over the decades has seen increasing attention to workers’ rights, reflecting a societal shift toward equity and fairness.

Assistant Attorney General Abigail A. Slater praised Lopez’s conviction, reiterating that wage-fixing isn’t just unethical; it’s illegal. She emphasized that such agreements exploit workers and highlighted the DOJ’s commitment to enforce antitrust laws vigorously.

This case is a powerful reminder for companies, especially in staffing and healthcare, to review their human resources policies. Employers must be cautious and ensure that there are no informal agreements regarding wages or hiring practices with competitors. As the DOJ strengthens its resolve in this area, the importance of compliance with antitrust laws cannot be overstated.

In conclusion, the Lopez verdict is a landmark development in the fight against labor market collusion. It not only underscores the DOJ’s commitment to enforcement but also signals to businesses and workers alike that violations can carry serious consequences. As we move forward, vigilance and accountability in the labor market will be of utmost importance.



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