This case involves a dispute between Phyllis M. Knight and the United States government, heard in the United States Court of Federal Claims (No. 24-1127). The court dismissed Knight’s claims for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction regarding federal retirement benefits, back pay, and criminal code violations.
Ms. Knight sought retirement benefits under the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS) Act and compensation under the Back Pay Act after becoming disabled while working at the Veterans Canteen Service Central Office. She was removed from her position in April 2015 due to unauthorized absence and later diagnosed with heart failure.
Key points:
• The court ruled it lacks jurisdiction over FERS claims because Congress created an exclusive remedial scheme through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for adjudicating such claims.
• The Back Pay Act claim was dismissed because it cannot independently establish Tucker Act jurisdiction without another legal provision mandating money damages.
• Knight’s allegations of theft and embezzlement under 18 U.S.C. § 644 were dismissed as the Court of Federal Claims has no jurisdiction over criminal matters.
• The court emphasized that while pro se plaintiffs receive more latitude in pleadings, jurisdictional requirements cannot be relaxed even for self-represented litigants.
The decision reinforces the limited jurisdiction of the Court of Federal Claims and highlights the importance of pursuing FERS claims through proper administrative channels at OPM before seeking judicial review.
Read more at https://ecf.cofc.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show_public_doc?2024cv1127-14-0
