Simi Defense Contractor Admits False Statements
A Simi Valley defense contractor has pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements to the Department of Defense.
Natel Engineering Co. entered the plea in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles last Tuesday. Judge William J. Rea ordered Natel to pay $1 million in criminal fines.
Assistant U.S. Atty. Lawrence S. Middleton, who prosecuted the case, said that evidence uncovered during a government investigation found that from late 1985 to mid-1988, Natel certified that certain electronic components used in fighter aircraft laser tracking and radar systems had undergone required testing.
In fact, Middleton said, the devices had not been tested.
No equipment failures have been traced to Natel’s improper testing, the government said.
Natel’s guilty plea was part of a larger settlement under which Natel was also ordered by Judge Rea to pay $1.22 million in civil damages.
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