United States v. Howard John Aleff

BENTON, Circuit Judge.

Howard John Aleff and Reena L. Slominski pled guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States by submitting false applications for loan-deficiency payments in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 286. They were ordered to pay $303,890 in restitution. The United States then sued under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-33. The district court 1 granted summary judgment to the United States, ordering Aleff, Slominski, and their business, L & J Fur & Wool, Inc., to pay a $1,376,670 penalty. Aleff .and Slominski appeal, arguing that (1) the district court erred in holding that…