On Tuesday, it was announced that the United States had recovered $200,000, while settling allegations that a defendant violated the federal False Claims Act by improperly acquiring Social Security Disability Income Payments. Stephen G. Ackerman was also accused of lying to the Social Security Administration about his work activity.
The Settlement Agreement resolves allegations that Mr. Ackerman failed to accurately report his employment or work activity to the Social Security Administration between January 2011 and January 2016. The United States suggests that Ackerman was involved in gainful activity that would have made him ineligible to receive a monthly disability income payment.
Ackerman owns and operates Organic Alternatives, which is a marijuana retail business. The United States believed that Ackerman was untruthful with the SSA and that makes him liable under the False Claims Act, which allows for civil penalties and treble damages.
As a part of the settlement, the United States will recover $200,000 from Stephen G. Ackerman. Additional details can be found here.