Allegations of fraud came to light through a previously sealed lawsuit brought by two whistleblowers.

The whistleblowers will receive a combined 15% of the settlement amount, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said, which is about $225,000.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, the office also said. There has been no determination of liability for the dealership group.

The management company that owns the Michigan-based LaFontaine Automotive Group has agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle allegations that it fraudulently accepted COVID-19 era loans.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan said on Dec. 10 that the auto dealership group LaFontaine Management Inc. obtained Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from the U.S. Small Business Administrat

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