MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Legal Newsline) - The U.S. government is suing a Tennessee man, alleging he submitted claims for unemployment benefits while he was employed.
The United States of America, on behalf of the United States Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), filed a lawsuit March 23 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee Western Division against Christopher D. Hughes of Cordova, alleging violations of the False Claims Act, payment by mistake and unjust enrichment.
The suit states Hughes was employed by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway and was discharged Jan. 18, 2013, enabling him to be eligible to collect RRB unemployment insurance benefits during his period of unemployment. Hughes filed to receive unemployment benefits.
However, the suit says, Hughes was employed with Kelly Services Inc. from May 22, 2013 to Feb. 1, 2014, but he continued to submit claims for unemployment benefits.
As a result, Hughes wrongfully received benefits and damaged the U.S. in the amount of $9,541.63, the lawsuit states.
The government seeks to treble its single damages of $9,541.63, plus other damages, civil monetary penalties, and pre- and post-judgment interest. The plaintiff is represented by U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart J. Canale in Memphis.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee Western Division Case number 2:16-CV-02178-STA-DKV