Sbaiti Team Reaches Whistleblower Settlement with Chase Bank after 8-year Battle

Clients accused bank of false compliance certification

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Brad Harwick
Aristotle Partners
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Sbaiti & Company lawyers Mazin Sbaiti, Kevin Colquitt, Brad Robinson and Kate Schneider announced a settlement with JPMorgan Chase Bank NA recently on behalf of clients Michael Fisher, Keith Franklin, Chezza Hartfield and Reginald McPhaul.

In U.S. ex rel. Michael J. Fisher et al. v. JPMorgan Chase Bank NA (4:16-cv-00395)Sbaiti & Company clients Fisher, Franklin, Hartfield and McPhaul accused Chase of violating the False Claims Act by falsely certifying its compliance with the now closed Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) under the U.S. Department of Treasury. The program was designed to help struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure by lowering interest rates and payments, extending terms and forgiving principle. Sbaiti clients assert that Chase failed to provide statutory notice of a borrowers right to rescind the proposed refinancing’s by the bank.

The case originated in the Southern District of New York and was transferred to the Eastern District of Texas, a move later challenged by Chase who motioned a transfer to DC federal court. This motion along with a subsequent motion for summary judgement by Chase disputing the claimants were the original sources of the claim was denied by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant III.

“It was my pleasure to work with a talented team of attorneys to help bring this caseto successful conclusion on behalf of our clients.” ~ Kevin Colquitt

“It is important that banks follow the rules when taking taxpayer money. The FalseClaims Act can help hold banks to account when they don’t.” ~ Mazin A. Sbaiti

About Sbaiti & Company PLLC
Sbaiti & Company is a Dallas-based boutique law firm focused on plaintiff and defendant representation in complex litigation matters. Our attorneys have deep experience in Business and Commercial Disputes, Whistleblower and False Claims Act Litigation, Investor and Securities Litigation, Director and Officer Defense, Catastrophic Injury and Wrongful Death, Creditor’s Right and Post-Judgment Collections and Patent and Intellectual Property Litigation.