U.S. Bank Must Cough up $200 Million

WASHINGTON (CN) - U.S. Bank this week agreed to pay $200 million to settle federal allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by originating and underwriting FHA-insured mortgage loans that violated guidelines.

In the Monday settlement, U.S. Bank admitted that from 2006 through 2011 it repeatedly certified for FHA insurance mortgage loans that did not meet Department of Housing and Urban Development requirements, the Department of Justice said in a statement.

"U.S. Bank further acknowledged that its conduct caused FHA to insure thousands of loans that were not eligible for insurance and that the FHA suffered substantial losses when it later paid insurance claims on those loans," the Justice Department said.

"By misusing government programs designed to maintain and expand homeownership, U.S. Bank not only wasted taxpayer funds, but inflicted harm on homeowners and the housing market that lasts to this day," Assistant Attorney General Stuart F. Delery said in the statement.

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