Las Vegas CPA agrees to $320,000 payment

Certified public accountant Michael Moore and his Las Vegas firm, Moore & Associates, agreed to pay $320,000 relating to allegations that they issued false audit reports on 300 public companies, the government announced on Thursday.

The Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday filed a federal lawsuit against Moore and his firm and also filed a settlement agreement with the defendants.

The settlement provides for disgorging $190,000, including prejudgment interest, and paying a $130,000 penalty. Moore and his firm also agreed to a permanent injunction against further securities violations and suspension from practicing before the commission as accountants.

Moore and his firm did not admit or deny the allegations in the SEC lawsuit.