JPMorgan Chase Pays Over $600 Million in Whistleblower Case

JPMorgan Chase recently agreed to pay over $600 million in its settlement of a case brought by the federal government, including HUD, FHA, and the VA, according to a February 2014 stipulation and order of settlement and dismissal entered by the Southern District of New York. The case, originally brought by a qui tam whistleblower, alleged that JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. engaged in misconduct as to mortgage loans with a connection to HUD, FHA, or VA programs. In particular, the government alleged that JPMorgan Chase Bank approved improper loans, submitted false certifications, entered information into its automated system that lacked integrity, and approved ineligible loans, and, as a result of these items, the government paid claims related to defaulted loans. Among other things, the settlement requires defendants to pay the government $614 million. Defendants obtained a False Claims Act release in the settlement agreement, and the agreement recognized that a relator’s share of the government’s recovery would be forthcoming.

John Sinatra is a partner in the Business Litigation Practice at Hodgson Russ LLP. You can reach him at jsinatra@hodgsonruss.com. 

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