But Where’s the Boat?

MINNEAPOLIS (CN) - John Winninghof took $284,000 from Uncle Sam to build a bio-diesel fuel sightseeing boat for Voyageurs National Park, but spent only $12,000 on the boat, the USA claims in Federal Court.

Uncle Sam says that when it learned Winninghof had spent only $12,000 of the $284,000 on the boat, and the government asked what he intended to do it, Winninghoff had the brass to reply "with a proposal to build the boat 'at a cost somewhat greater than the original $475,000.00.' ... In a follow-up email, dated September 24, 2005, Winninghoff suggested that he could complete the boat

specified in the contract for an additional three hundred ten thousand dollars ($310,000.00). By letter dated October 6, 2005, the contracting officer told Winninghoff his offer was unacceptable."Uncle Sam wants $273,000 from Winninghof and Winninghof Boats

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit