Office Targeted in Federal Fraud Probe

An investigation of the Camarillo bookkeeping office of Research Management Consultants, a major government contractor, has led to the prosecution of the firm’s vice president for improper billing.

Walter Irving Jenkins II, 53, pleaded guilty Monday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles to three counts of making false statements to a government agency, said Assistant U.S. Atty. Daniel J. O’Brien. Research Management Consultants Inc. has won more than $100 million in government contracts in the last 10 years.

The company also has offices in Lakewood, Colo., and Virginia.

Jenkins, who was based in Colorado, was accused of submitting false reimbursement claims to the Camarillo bookkeeping office for personal expenses, including the purchase of a backyard barbecue grill and a vacation trip to Utah. He also directed the company to give money to a business owned by his brother, O’Brien said in a written statement.

“Jenkins made false statements and submitted them to [the company’s bookkeeping] office in Camarillo, which is where the investigation was concentrated,” O’Brien said.

Jenkins faces up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced Oct. 27. He has agreed to pay $127,675 in damages, and any other fines or restitution imposed by the court.

The investigation of Research Management Consultants Inc. is continuing, O’Brien said.