Judge Dismisses Case Against Defense Contractor DSE, Inc., Details Egregious Misconduct By Claimant

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Citing a "persistent pattern of willful and bad faith litigation misconduct," on February 19, a U.S. District Court judge in Tampa, Florida granted defense contractor DSE, Inc.'s motion to dismiss a False Claims Act lawsuit initiated by Relator John D. King in December 2008.  Following an evidentiary hearing on DSE's motion to dismiss, the court found "overwhelming evidence of Relator's bad faith," including the destruction of evidence that is "unfavorable to Relator's case and crucial" for DSE.  The Court deemed the Relator's testimony "unworthy of belief" and found that "[d]ismissal is the only sufficient sanction to compensate Defendants for the prejudice caused by the Relator."

In its motion and related proceedings challenging the credibility of the Relator and his claims, DSE chronicled the Relator's egregious misconduct, discovery abuses and grave harm to DSE throughout the litigation. 

"DSE is a responsible and qualified government contractor with a 25-year track record of providing safe and reliable ammunition and components to U.S. troops serving around the world," stated Paul Heidenreich, DSE's Chief Operating Officer.  "While this litigation has required tremendous time, effort and resources in an extremely challenging economic environment, DSE has remained steadfastly committed to defending its reputation and exposing the wrongfulness of the Relator's allegations about our company and products," added Mr. Heidenreich.

"The court's analysis and findings are thorough, fact-based and well-reasoned under the law.  Having acknowledged the "very serious" nature of the Relator's allegations, we are deeply gratified that the court dismissed all of the Relators' claims and justice has been served," said DSE's General Counsel, David Mansolino.

About DSE:
DSE, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of quality ammunition and ammunition products for the U.S. Government. DSE currently serves as one of two prime contractors for a multi-year, fully integrated system contract under the U.S. Army for the 40MM family of ammunition.  For more information, visit www.dse.net.

About the Lawsuit:
King et all v. DSE, Inc. et all, Case No. 8:08-cv-02416-SDM-EAJ. Counsel for DSE, Manatt Phelps & Phillips, LLP

CONTACT:
David Mansolino, (813) 831-0750

SOURCE DSE, Inc.