Hexcel agrees to pay U.S. government

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Connecticut-based Hexcel Corp. has agreed to pay $15 million to the United States for its role in the manufacture and sale of defective bullet-proof vests.

The U.S. Justice Department made the announcement after Hexcel acknowledged that it violated the False Claims Act as a result of its role in the manufacture and sale to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies of defective Zylon bullet-proof vests.

The United States alleged that Hexcel was aware that the vests sold to law enforcement agencies made with Zylon manufactured by Toyobo Corp. were defective and degraded quickly when exposed to heat, light and humidity.

"These defective vests were worn by federal officers, who side by side with the Department of Justice, enforce the laws of this nation, and by state, local and tribal officers, who are on the streets every day, contributing to a safer America," Peter D. Keisler, assistant attorney general for the civil division and acting attorney general, said in a statement. "We will never tolerate fraud that places our first responders at risk."

Hexcel also agreed to continue cooperation in the government's ongoing investigation in the matter.