A Florida judicial circuit prosecutor has filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the state attorneys office. She resigned after uncovering a deputy planting evidence during traffic stops and her higher-ups tried to conceal this information.
About the Whistleblower Statute
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.
The Law Protects and Rewards a Whistleblower
When a knowledgeable attorney like those found at The Michael Brady Lynch Firm files a False Claims Act lawsuit, he or she files it under a seal. This means it is completely confidential. There is also a full disclosure statement in the suit, which details the evidence collected by a whistleblower.
After we file your suit, the Department of Justice will review the evidence before deciding to step in and decide if they want to prosecute the case. The government’s fraud investigator will work closely with you, the whistleblower to identify all responsible for the fraud.
You could be entitled to 15-30% of the funds recovered. In order to receive the reward, you must be the first one to file a case under the False Claims Act. This is why it is key to pick an experienced attorney to work quickly to get your compensation.
Florida Whistleblower Lawsuit
When the former prosecutor first started in the 14th district, she heard rumors of the deputy planted drugs during traffic stops. The State Attorney office assigned her to simple drug possession cases. This is when she started taking a closer look at the deputy’s traffic stops and arrests. As she compared body cam videos and his written accounts, the information did not match. Her information exposed nearly 120 cases of tampering with evidence.
Until her information, no one was monitoring the deputy’s body camera videos. However, she faced backlash for her information. Her higher-ups sought to conceal this information. Instead, the prosecutor resigned and filed a whistleblower retaliation complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations against State Attorney Glenn Hess. Because she was a state employee, the complaint is a necessary prelude to a possible lawsuit against the state attorney. Her complaint says she was “ostracized and ignored” after raising red flags about the deputy.
Premier Complex Litigation Attorneys
The Michael Brady Lynch Firm has successfully represented thousands of consumers and recovered millions of dollars for their clients. Other firms have recognized our team of attorneys as some of the most experienced and successful in the country. Our award-winning staff is also sought after for our knowledge of 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 attorneys have represented many clients in the past with complex cases. We will work tirelessly to obtain results on your behalf.
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