Two months ago, organizers for a mock trial program decided to pull together an online version of an event that ordinarily takes two years to plan. Joel M. Androphy, a partner at Berg & Androphy in Houston and co-chair of the program, has helped organize the biennial National False Claims Act and Qui Tam Trial...
The False Claims Act encourages citizens to report fraudulent activity involving government funds. According to the Department of Justice, fraud claims involving the Department of Defense accounted for $252.1 million of recovered funds in 2019 –– double the amount of recovered funds from 2018.[1] Fraud on the Department of Defense is persistent and includes product...
English-born, American political activist and philosopher Thomas Paine wrote in 1776 that, “THESE are the times that try men’s souls.” Paine was of course talking about the Revolutionary War and not the current and unprecedented crisis America and the entire globe is experiencing due to the rampant pandemic brought about by the spread of the...
Pharmacy company PharMerica Inc. must once again face claims it engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicaid by improperly incentivizing physicians to prescribe Remeron, an antidepressant made by the Merck & Co. unit Organon, the First Circuit said Wednesday. PharMerica argued that whistlelower James Banigan’s claims triggered the False Claims Act’s public disclosure bar, because...
By Joel M. Androphy and Sarah Kim The U.S. military and government face a centuries-old enemy that endangers the safety of American soldiers and continues to cost the government billions every year. In light of recent conflicts overseas, defense contractors have taken advantage of the large sums allocated for defensive purposes, with whistleblowers becoming the...
“The Tax Provisions of the New York False Claims Act: How Far Can They Go? Rulings on New Case Alleging Tax Fraud Against New York City by Wall Street Will Show the Limits, and Will also Provide Additional Post-Escobar Guidance on “Materiality” as well as “Reckless Disregard.” By Joel Androphy The New York False...
Former Houston Housing Authority General Counsel Karen Miniex prevails as jury rejects city retaliation after she reported fraud HOUSTON, March 25, 2019 – Former Houston Housing Authority General Counsel Karen Miniex, who alleged she was fired after reporting fraud within the agency, has been vindicated by a federal-court jury, the Berg & Androphy law firm...
Do you know about fraud committed against the Federal or State government? It may be time to call a whistleblower attorney to represent you in court. This article will help you understand the basis for and method of filing a Qui Tam lawsuit or what is better known as a ”Whistleblower” lawsuit against a corporation...
History of the False Claims Act In 1863 Congress passed a law that created incentives for private individuals to report government fraud in an attempt to curb a rash of fraud against the government. On March 2, 1863 President Lincoln signed the law, called the False Claims Act (“FCA”). Also referred to as the “Informer’s...
Joel Androphy was recently a guest on the FCPA Compliance Report podcast. Highlights from the podcast episode include: 1. FCA cases are designed to help prevent fraud, waste and abuse in government contracting. 2. FCA cases can include illegal work conditions, in addition to monetary matters. 3. What are the procedural steps needed to bring...
