Former Chief Financial Officer for Albuquerque public schools will receive $800,000. The school district he formerly worked for will pay him for courageously coming forward to report fraud in district audits. He came forward even though the superintendent threatened his job.
Whistleblower Statute
Most whistleblowers come forward to do what is right. They have noticed a fraud or something morally wrong, and they want to report it. The government rewards their bravery and honesty by giving whistleblowers up to 30% of the recovered assets. This has yielded large whistleblower settlements.
In 1863 to combat fraud in Union contracts during the Civil War, Congress passed the Whistleblower or Qui Tam statute. It was not until 1986 before Congress modernized the Whistleblower statute and renamed it to the False Claims Act (FCA). It became the government’s primary tool to combat fraud. Individuals who report government-program fraud bring the lawsuit on behalf of the government.
Public School Whistleblower
Events leading to the lawsuit began in August 2015 when the former CFO and the Albuquerque School district’s new superintendent disagreed over proposed departmental audits. The CFO argued that the audits were wasting money and questioned the procurement process. This is because the superintendent tried to give the work to a company that employed one of his friends.
The former CFO filed a whistleblower lawsuit and will receive $800,000 from the school district.
Premier Complex Litigation Attorneys
The Michael Brady Lynch Firm has successfully represented thousands of consumers and recovered millions of dollars for their clients. Our team of attorneys has been recognized as some of the most experienced and successful in the country. Our award-winning staff is also sought after for our knowledge on complex litigation, scientific evidence development, negotiation strategies and trial tactics.
Most of all, our law office is resourceful and dedicated to pursuing any compensation you are due. Because of this, we have received a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, such as inclusion on numerous Plaintiff Steering Committees. We will take whatever legal measures are necessary when fighting for your rights to damages.
Therefore, if you believe you have uncovered evidence of fraud involving a government-funded program, contact us today. Our whistleblower attorneys have represented many clients in the past. We will work tirelessly to obtain results on your behalf.