Dyncorp’s stall tactics seemed to work on Michael Riddle
Defense Contractor Says Fired Worker Waited Too Long to File Whistleblower Suit
The Dallas Observer
By Robert Wilonsky, Tuesday, Jun. 1 2010
March 22 we told you about Michael Riddle, the former senior employment manager at defense contractor DynCorp International’s Fort Worth outpost who claimed in court docs he was fired last September for being a whistleblower. Specifically, Riddle alleged in Dallas federal court papers that DynCorp took millions from the State Department to create “a list of ready, willing and able Americans with prior law enforcement backgrounds” who could be sent to Iraq or Afghanistan, among other trouble spots. Riddle claimed, though, that no such database ever existed — and that DynCorp officials had no intention of creating one, to the point where, he says, he was told to make one up when the feds started snooping around.
It took more than two months for DynCorp to file its response; it even asked for an extension in early May. But, finally, it has an answer to Riddle’s complaint, which is, simply: Why, he’s no whistleblower at all, but, instead, just a disgruntled ex-employee retaliating against his former employer for firing him for “performance deficiencies” — the sole reason offered for Riddle’s termination in September. DynCorp’s Dallas attorney also filed at week’s end a motion to dismiss. Reason: He waited too long to file his whistleblower suit — which, says here, “is one of the favorite defenses in whistleblower cases.” All the relevant courthouse docs follow. DynCorps’ Motion to Dismiss (click HERE for original article)
Evidently you only have 90 days to file a whistleblower suit. Not very long when a flock of corporate attorneys are pulling out all the stops!! I loathe corporate attorney’s.
Ms Sparky
Tuesday, June 1st 2010 at 7:52 am |
” I loathe corporate attorney’s”
Don’t you have to wonder how they live with themselves?
Tuesday, June 1st 2010 at 7:55 am |
I couldn’t agree more. I am working on a post about KBR’s main law firm MLA. All I can say is….”What is wrong with these people!”
Tuesday, June 1st 2010 at 9:31 am |
To: DynCorp’s Dallas attorney, “Performance deficiencies” as in NOT creating a fraudulent database system?
Tuesday, June 1st 2010 at 10:36 am |
Had I been his manager??? I would have given him a promotion and raise and got that damn data base issue resolved ASAP. Then I would have self reported the deficiency to the DoS. If required we would have paid it back. AND there is no doubt in my mind I would have most likely been fired. The course Dyncorp has chosen has shown they lack integrity and ethics. I wouldn’t hire them to train or manage crossing guards at the local elementary school.
Wednesday, June 2nd 2010 at 7:21 pm |
Completely typical of Dyncorp. NEVER taking any accountability for anything even when everyone knows that what happened is completely fraudulent, immoral and illgal. Even when Dyncorp is DEAD wrong they will deny and stall in every way possible. Karma is a bitch and I believe what comes around goes around – believe me, it is coming around.
Wednesday, June 2nd 2010 at 7:42 pm |
Sounds like Hell is going to be a bit crowded with Corporate Execs and Corporate Attorneys!