Category Archives: Whistleblower News

The SEC’s new whistleblower policies make it seem as if wealth and bounty are just “one shrill blast away.” However, by showcasing two very different, but equally difficult cases, this article argues that undergoing the process of whistleblowing, even under the new SEC rules, is rigorous and challenging.

To read more, go to: http://www.law.com/jsp/cc/PubArticleCC.jsp?id=1202512145469&New_SEC_Rules_Promise_Payouts_for_Whistleblowers_but_How_Have_Past_Tipsters_Fared

U.S. District Judge Robert Sweet rejected JPMorgan Chase & Co’s bid to dismiss a whistleblower lawsuit brought by Jennifer Sharkey, a former private banker for the company. According to Sharkey, she was fired in retaliation for voicing her suspicions about an Israeli client, who was reported to have undocumented businesses and unexplained funds transfers. Furthermore, the client allegedly engaged in business with Columbia, despite the New York-based JPMorgan’s ban on transactions with the country. Sharkey notes that the client generated approximately $600,000 of annual business for the bank.

Read more at: http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2011/08/22/211791.htm#

Red River Computer Co. Inc. of Claremont, New Hampshire has agreed to pay $2.3 million for its alleged violations of the False Claims Act. Red River failed to follow through on its promises to federal agencies,  including the Departments of Defense, Commerce and Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, Library of Congress, and General Services Administration. An investigation of Red River’s contracts led to the discovery of many issues including False Claims Act violations relating to computer hardware, software, and other service contracts.

Read more at: http://www.unionleader.com/article/20110819/NEWS02/708199969

Ex-Walgreens pharmacist Sami Mitri received $1.24 million from a Fresno federal court jury this past Friday, subsequent to his allegations that Walgreens’ Medicare billing fraud led to his firing in January 2010. Although blowing the whistle may have led to his firing after more than thirteen years of working at the company, Mitri’s actions were ultimately rewarded following a nine-day trial before U.S. District Judge Anthony W. Ishii. Mitri’s attorney Andrew Jones said, “The jury sent a message that Walgreens can’t fire a whistle-blower… This guy is a hero who came forward and stood up for taxpayers like you and me. He stood up for what is right.”

Read more at: http://www.fresnobee.com/2011/08/19/2505503/fired-walgreens-pharmacist-awarded.html

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is working to target fraud in the Medicare program. Last month, Attorney General Eric Holder and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius attended the sixth regional health care fraud prevention summit. Held in Philadelphia, the summit brought parties together to learn innovative ways to eliminate fraud in the health care system. In the beginning of August, Sebelius also attended the Senior Medicare Patrol National Conference. During the Conference, Sebelius stated, “[W}e know that one of the most effective and direct steps we can take to improve Medicare’s long-term health is ridding the program of waste, fraud, and abuse.”

To read more, go to: http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/united-states/justice-department-states-fight-medicare-fraud-60545.html