Texas company Hunt Construction has agreed to pay $500,000 to resolve allegations of fraudulent activity connected with government contracts for a Delaware air base. The agreement does not mean Hunt admits guilt over the allegations.
According to the Department of Justice, Hunt submitted “materially false information to the air force” between January 2013 and June 2019 relating to performance objectives such as maintaining the residences while they were occupied and preparing them for tenants.
The government investigated after receiving information from a whistleblower working at Hunt, after which the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) conducted an inquiry.
David Weiss, US attorney, said: “The US Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware is committed to fighting for the wellbeing of our servicemembers and their families, especially those stationed at Dover Air Force Base.
“When companies put servicemembers’ welfare at risk to maximise profit, they cheat the government as well as everyone who serves our country. We will not tolerate such disappointing conduct.”
William Richards, AFOSI special agent in charge, added: “In addition to the extensive and dedicated collaborative efforts among DCIS, AFOSI, and the Department of Justice, the Air Force Audit Agency played a crucial role in the case.”
Earlier this month, the US subsidiary of UK contractor Balfour Beatty agreed to pay $65.4m to settle a case brought by the Department of Justice into the fraudulent provision of maintenance in military housing.
