James B. Bacon, Sr.

Disclaimer and Legal Context

This page identifies individuals who, based on documented evidence and good-faith analysis, are reasonably believed to have participated in, enabled, or failed to act in connection with the fraudulent acquisition of Fiber Network Solutions, Inc. and its subsequent concealment. The information presented here has been submitted in formal whistleblower disclosures to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Department of Justice, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and other federal agencies.

This list does not assert criminal guilt. Instead, it reflects a factual and evidentiary account of each individual’s known or alleged role, behavior, or response pattern—particularly where actions or omissions may be relevant to public interest, fiduciary duty, or federal investigations.

This page is published in accordance with protections under federal whistleblower law and the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

For an in-depth, comprehensive overview of the documentary timeline regarding the fraudulent acquisition of Fiber Network Solutions, Inc. by Cogent Communications (NASDAQ: CCOI), visit the Download PDF's page, or read the html versions at the Read Doc's On-Line page.

James B. Bacon, Sr.

James B. Bacon, Sr. is identified in federal whistleblower submissions as a central, behind-the-scenes figure in the events surrounding the 2003 transfer of Fiber Network Solutions, Inc. (FNSI) to Cogent Communications. While not publicly positioned as an executive or spokesperson, available records and submitted evidence indicate that his influence operated through financial control, internal coordination, and close alignment with individuals directly involved in the transaction.

Public records and internal materials further establish that Mr. Bacon maintained long-standing business and familial ties with Vincent S. Bacon, his brother and partner in Poling & Bacon Construction Co., and with Kyle Bacon, his nephew and a senior executive at FNSI. Both James and Vincent Bacon are identified as minority shareholders in FNSI during the period leading up to the transaction.

Jim Bacon (James B. Bacon, Sr.)

Public Background

James B. Bacon, Sr. is an Ohio-based businessman with longstanding ties to the Youngstown and Canfield business communities and later residency in Naples, Florida. Public records identify him as James Bernard Bacon, with documented residential and business activity spanning Ohio, Nevada, and Florida over multiple decades.

Property and tax records indicate ownership of residential assets in Naples, Florida through trust structures, including the James B. Bacon 2007 Living Trust, reflecting a transition of primary residence to Collier County in later years.

He is also identified in publicly available records under variations of his name, including Jim Bacon and James B. Bacon, Sr., consistent with long-term business and personal associations documented across multiple jurisdictions.

Business and Financial Profile

Public business records identify James B. Bacon, Sr. as a long-standing principal of Poling & Bacon Construction Co., Inc., a regional construction firm based in Youngstown, Ohio. Corporate filings and associated records reflect his involvement in multiple executive and financial roles within the company over several decades, including positions such as director, treasurer, chief financial officer, and vice president.

These records further indicate continuous affiliation with the company dating back to at least the late 20th century, with documented roles in financial oversight and corporate governance. The duration and scope of this involvement reflect a sustained position of control over financial operations and business decision-making within the organization.

In addition to corporate leadership roles, public records associate Mr. Bacon with ownership interests and financial control structures tied to both business entities and personal asset holdings, including properties held through trust arrangements.

Role in Fiber Network Solutions Transaction

James B. Bacon, Sr. is identified in federal whistleblower submissions as a participant in the events leading up to and surrounding the 2003 transfer of Fiber Network Solutions, Inc. (FNSI) to Cogent Communications. Materials submitted to federal agencies describe his involvement as primarily financial and structural, rather than operational or public-facing.

According to these submissions, Mr. Bacon maintained a position of influence through his status as a shareholder, board member, and through his close coordination with other family members directly engaged in the transaction. This positioning is described as enabling participation in decision-making processes related to the disposition of company assets and the allocation of financial outcomes associated with the transfer.

Whistleblower materials further characterize his role as connected to oversight of financial flows and the use of corporate or affiliated entities in connection with the transaction. These descriptions are based on documentary evidence, internal records, and financial analyses submitted as part of ongoing federal review.

Coordinated Activity and Internal Influence

Whistleblower submissions describe James B. Bacon, Sr.’s involvement as part of a coordinated framework of activity among closely aligned individuals participating in the FNSI transaction. Within this framework, his role is characterized as providing continuity of financial oversight and reinforcing alignment among participants during a period of significant corporate transition.

These materials indicate that his influence operated through established relationships and long-standing business affiliations, allowing for coordinated decision-making across both formal corporate structures and informal channels. This included synchronization of messaging, alignment of financial expectations, and support of actions taken by individuals in operational roles.

In this context, Mr. Bacon’s participation is described not as isolated, but as integrated within a broader pattern of activity involving multiple actors. The consistency of actions across these participants, as reflected in submitted materials and internal records, is cited as indicative of structured coordination rather than independent decision-making.

Legal Exposure

James B. Bacon, Sr. is named in federal whistleblower submissions supported by documentary evidence, including financial records, corporate materials, and internal communications provided to multiple federal agencies.

These materials have been submitted for review to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the United States Attorney’s Office.

Based on the nature of the conduct described in these submissions, the materials reference potential applicability of federal statutes relating to conspiracy, wire fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, and tax-related offenses. These references reflect the legal frameworks under which the documented conduct may be evaluated and do not constitute findings of guilt.

All matters described remain subject to review by the appropriate regulatory and investigative authorities.

Closing Statement

James B. Bacon, Sr.’s role in the history of Fiber Network Solutions, Inc. is defined by his position within a network of closely aligned individuals involved in the events leading to the 2003 transfer of company assets. While not publicly identified as a principal operator, the materials reviewed place him within the financial and structural framework through which key decisions were executed.

The information presented on this page reflects a synthesis of publicly available records, internal documentation, and formal whistleblower submissions. It is intended to document the evidentiary record as it exists and to preserve the factual context surrounding Mr. Bacon’s involvement.

Any determinations regarding liability, regulatory action, or criminal exposure remain within the jurisdiction of the appropriate authorities.

• 18 U.S.C. § 371 – Conspiracy to defraud the United States

• 18 U.S.C. § 1343 – Wire fraud

• 18 U.S.C. § 1349 – Attempt and conspiracy to commit fraud

• 18 U.S.C. § 1956 – Money laundering

• 18 U.S.C. § 1001 – False statements or material concealment

• 18 U.S.C. § 1512 – Obstruction of justice

• 18 U.S.C. § 1513(e) – Retaliation against a whistleblower

• 26 U.S.C. § 7201 – Tax evasion

• 18 U.S.C. § 1962 – Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO)

James Bacon may be subject to review under the following federal statutes

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