We once sat with a young father who took an entry-level administrative job at a local school.
He was hard-working and eager to please. So, when his boss asked him to record inaccurate numbers on government funding paperwork, he did it. He didn't come up with the scheme, and he wasn't directly benefiting from the funds. He just did what his superior asked him and told himself, "Best not to rock the boat".
When the federal investigation came down, the government didn't just target the school’s leadership. This young father was forced to plead guilty to conspiracy charges.
The pressure to keep your job and please the people you work for is intensely real. It is. But no paycheck is worth taking the fall for someone else's fraud.
Nugget: You are responsible for your own keystrokes. If you suspect that you are being asked to do something unlawful, seek out a confidential consultation with an attorney who is uninvolved in the business or organization. As painful as it can be, sometimes, walking away is the only way to protect your family and everything you hold dear.
Warmly,
Rabbi Levi Landa
Director, Project 432
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These prevention nuggets provide general perspective about the law and do not constitute legal advice. The law often changes based on jurisdiction. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
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