Settlement reached in whistleblower case

The U.S. Justice Department has obtained a $1.1 million settlement against the Fluor Corp. of Washington state based on allegations filed by a former contracting official for the company. Whistleblower Loydene Rambo made the claim through the federal False Claims Act, which allows citizens who sue on behalf of the government to collect a percentage of any recovery as a reward. Rambo alleged that from 2005 through 2008 Fluor used funds from the Department of Energy to lobby other government agencies in violation of its contract. Court documents show that $669,000 was paid to Congressional Strategies and Secure Horizons Consulting to lobby members of Congress and federal agencies. Rambo said that when she raised concerns to her supervisors, they responded with intimidation and threats against her. Rambo received $200,000 as a reward for blowing the whistle on Fluor. Learn more about Qui Tam lawsuits