Sky Lease I Inc., an air cargo carrier based in Miami, has agreed to pay $1,030,000 to settle federal accusations of falsifying delivery-time information for U.S. mail carried under contracts with the U.S. Postal Service, as announced by the Justice Department on Tuesday.
This settlement arises from allegations that Sky Lease intentionally submitted electronic scans that misrepresented the timing of mail transfers to foreign posts or other designated recipients. These scans are essential for the company to receive payment under its USPS contracts, which involve mail transported from U.S. locations and specific Department of Defense and State Department sites to various destinations around the globe.
“The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that government contractors provide the services they have contracted to provide,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate. “When contractors knowingly fail to provide services for which they have been paid, the Department will pursue appropriate remedies.”
USPS contracts with commercial airlines to ensure the secure and timely delivery of international mail, and the agency’s inspector general said the falsification of delivery data undermines that system. “Our special agents worked hand-in-hand with the Department of Justice to help ensure a reasonable resolution,” said Executive Special Agent in Charge Ken Cleevely.
Federal investigators allege that Sky Lease’s scans reported incorrect delivery times, though the company has not admitted wrongdoing. The Justice Department emphasized that the claims resolved through the settlement remain allegations, and no court has determined liability.
