A settlement has been reached to resolve False Claims Act allegations against Para-Plus Translations Inc.
The allegations arose from a lawsuit that claimed Para-Plus Translations Inc “purposefully overstated the travel time and mileage incurred by its interpreters” in invoices it sent federal and state governments, according to a US Department of Justice.
This settlement resolves allegations that Para-Plus submitted false claims for payment to various federal and state agencies, including components of the United States Department of Justice.
“As this settlement demonstrates, we will continue to enforce the law to ensure that federal monies are used to benefit the public,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Song.
Para-Plus will pay the United States Federal Government $879,000 within 10 business days from the date of the last signature on the settlement agreement on November 23, 2016, with the balance of $621,000 to be paid out to the States of Delaware and New Jersey over five years in quarterly payments of $32,000, plus interest at 3.5% per annum.
The settlement was the result of a 2014 whistleblower lawsuit filed by Kimberly Martin, a former employee in Para-Plus’ billing department. The whistleblower will receive 22% of each payment received by the United States Government, Delaware, and New Jersey.