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Release Date: 09/12/2001
Release Number: 01-27
Contact Name: Rita Ford
Phone Number: 202.219.8921
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Kansas City, Missouri - The U.S. Department of
Labor sued a trustee of the Health Care Services, Inc. 401(k) profit
sharing plan in Craig, Colorado on August 31, 2001, for failure to remit
$17,000 in employee contributions to the plan. |
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The Labor Department’s lawsuit alleges that trustee
Neil E. Hansen, also the president and 50 percent owner of the company,
failed to transfer to the plan money withheld from employees’ wages
between 1996 and 1998. Hansen also allegedly violated the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) by:
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The lawsuit seeks a court order requiring the defendant
to restore all losses to the profit sharing plan including lost interest,
file all necessary annual report forms and to terminate the plan. |
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As of December 31, 1995, the plan had $36,394 in total
assets and 21 participants. |
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“This action reaffirms our commitment to protect the
hard-earned benefits promised by employers,” said Gregory P. Egan,
director of the Kansas City Regional Office of the Pension and Welfare
Benefits Administration. Employers and workers can reach us at 816.426.5131
for help with any problems relating to private-sector pension and health
plans.” |
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This case resulted from an investigation conducted by
the Kansas City Regional Office of the department’s Pension and Welfare
Benefits Administration into violations into ERISA. The lawsuit was filed
in the federal district court in Denver. |
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(Chao v. Hansen
Civil Action No. 01-WM-1727) |
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U.S. Department of Labor
news releases are accessible on the Internet. The information in this news
release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large
print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the Central Office for Assistive
Services and Technology. Please specify which news release when placing
your request. Call 202.693.7773 or TTY 202.693.7775. |
