Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldier Pays $12,000 to Settle Allegations of False Claims

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma  --  Sanford C. Coats, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma announces that Staff Sergeant Kasey Ray Bickerstaff has agreed to pay $12,000 to settle civil penalty claims stemming from allegations that he violated the False Claims Act by submitting, or causing to be submitted, false claims under the Army National Guard’s Recruiting Assistance Program (G-RAP).

Staff Sgt. Kasey Ray Bickerstaff is a member of the Oklahoma Army National Guard. He registered as a recruiter assistant under the G-RAP to help the Guard supplement its enlistment efforts. As a recruiter assistant, Bickerstaff could earn bonuses for individuals he recruited to join the National Guard.

The United States contends that from January 2009 through April 2010, Bickerstaff submitted or caused to be submitted four false claims under the G-RAP program to obtain bonus payments for potential soldiers whom he did not assist in recruiting and to which he was not entitled.

In order to resolve the allegations brought by the United States, Bickerstaff agreed to pay $12,000. In reaching this settlement, Bickerstaff did not admit liability and the government did not make any concessions regarding the legitimacy of the claims.  The agreement allows the parties to avoid the delay, expense, inconvenience, and uncertainty involved in litigating the case.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gallegos.