Whistleblower Alleges Fraud Fueled by Idle Time
The lawsuit, supported by attorneys at Smith & Lowney PLLC and Teller Law, alleged that WRPS billed the DOE for hours employees spent idle, engaging in entertainment and personal activities during paid shifts. Even overtime, according to the complaint, was “almost as unproductive as regular work time.”
“Workers at Hanford and other nuclear sites need to know they have rights and legal protection,” said Meredith Crafton of Smith & Lowney. “These employees are doing dangerous, essential work. They should feel empowered to speak up and ensure accountability.”
Crafton emphasized the importance of protecting whistleblowers not just from retaliation, but also ensuring they are fully compensated for the personal and professional toll of reporting fraud.
Legal Teams and Lingering Fallout
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, led by Tyler H. L. Tornabene, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The whistleblower was represented by Knoll Lowney, Meredith A. Crafton, and Katelyn J. Kinn of Smith & Lowney PLLC, alongside Stephen A. Teller of Teller Law.
WRPS, for its part, was represented by Luke Meier and Shawn Wright of Blank Rome LLP, though the company declined to comment on the settlement as of Wednesday.
This latest enforcement action underscores the federal government’s scrutiny of contractors handling hazardous work at sensitive sites, especially when public trust and taxpayer funds are on the line.
