Lawsuit vs ex-National Guard recruiting assistant dismissed

The U.S. government’s lawsuit against a former National Guard recruiting assistant has been dismissed after both parties reached a settlement agreement.

U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona dismissed the case with prejudice, which means the U.S. government could no longer re-file the civil complaint against Ana Maria A. Mendiola.

Assistant U.S. attorney Mikel W. Schwab, counsel for the U.S. government, and attorney Robert T. Torres, counsel for Mendiola, filed a stipulation for the case’s voluntary dismissal.

The U.S. government sued Mendiola for four counts of violation of False Claims Act, one count of unjust enrichment, and one count of payment by mistake

The U.S. government accused Mendiola of defrauding the Army National Guard by claiming to have nominated four potential soldiers over a two-year period.

The lawsuit demanded payment from Mendiola in the total sum of $21,000 for damages, as well as penalties and court costs.

The parties, however, settled the case.

Under the settlement deal, Mendiola agreed to pay $15,000 to the U.S. government.