In a recent turn of events, Anderson Brothers Construction Company of Brainerd, LLC, based out of Brainerd, Minnesota, has come to an agreement to shell out close to $1.3 million in a settlement regarding allegations of falsified quality test results. The allegations from both the United States and Minnesota claim that the company, under contract for federally funded road projects, submitted false test results to conceal the lower quality of its paving material, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Justice.
This settlement will see the United States rake in $660,761 while Minnesota pockets a sum of $634,849. The accusations hinge on the Anderson Brothers' alleged breach of a pivotal contract stipulation: to perform and report genuine quality tests of its asphalt to the government. Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota Lisa D. Kirkpatrick weighed in, stating, "Protecting taxpayer dollars from fraud and abuse is one of our top priorities," and warned that, "The submission of false claims for federally funded government contracts will not be tolerated."
Special Agent in Charge Anthony Licari from the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General also commented on the importance of integrity in federal contracts, especially when it impacts the safety of the travelling public. The case was brought to light under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act by Kacie Dixon, a former Bituminous Mix Technician at Anderson Brothers. Dixon's actions allow a private party to take legal action on behalf of the United States and potentially receive part of any financial recovery.
The joint efforts between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota were pivotal in obtaining the settlement. Assisting hands also came from the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, among others. While the settlement addresses the allegations, it's essential to note that it does not equate to an admission of liability by Anderson Brothers.
