September 12, 2012
The Department of Justice’s new Whistleblower Ombudsperson position underscores the federal government’s reliance on whistleblowers who provide critical information and assistance to regulators in fighting fraud. Veteran federal prosecutor Robert Storch will serve as the first Whistleblower Ombudsperson in the DOJ’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
The Whistleblower Ombudsperson Will be a Voice for Whistleblowers.
The Whistleblower Ombudsperson will focus on training DOJ employees about the protections that are provided to whistleblowers and the importance of the whistleblower’s role. The Whistleblower Ombudsperson will also ensure that claims made by whistleblowers are reviewed promptly and thoroughly and that whistleblowers receive regular communication about their complaints. In addition, the Whistleblower Ombudsperson will serve as a liaison for whistleblowers and various federal agencies, advocacy groups and whistleblower organizations.
The goal, according to DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz is that whistleblowers have “a strong and independent voice” inside the Department of Justice. Because whistleblowers play such a crucial role in fighting fraud, the federal government has moved to ensure that interactions with whistleblowers are smooth and fruitful for everyone’s benefit.
The Law has Long Recognized and Rewarded the Contribution of Whistleblowers.
Federal law has long recognized and compensated many whistleblowers for their assistance in going after fraud. The qui tam provision of the False Claims Act allows individual’s to file a lawsuit against the wrongdoers on behalf of the government. The government may or may not intervene in the case, but in either event, the whistleblower is entitled to share in any eventual recovery.
Our Results
Historic settlement for over 1,300 survivors of clergy and adult abuse within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, marking a pivotal moment for justice.
A Philadelphia jury awarded a record verdict against ExxonMobil for failing to warn about cancer risks due to benzene in its petroleum products.
Private equity firm and co-defendants agree to pay $25M in Medicaid fraud case alleging mental health services provided by unqualified providers.
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