Enforcement Actions for 2012

December 2012

December 27, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Victory Pharma Inc. of San Diego Pays $11.4 Million to Resolve Kickback Allegations in Connection with Promotion of Its Drugs Victory Pharma Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company headquartered in San Diego, has agreed to pay $11,420,743 to resolve federal civil and criminal liability arising from its marketing of the pharmaceutical products Naprelan, Xodol, Fexmid and Dolgic, the Justice Department announced today. Under the agreement announced today, Victory entered into a deferred prosecution agreement and paid a criminal forfeiture of $1.4 million to resolve federal Ant-Kickback Statute allegations, and paid $9,938,310 to resolve False Claims Act allegations.

December 20, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Florida

Miami Husband and Wife Sentenced on Medicare Fraud Charges Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, and Christopher B. Dennis, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, announce yesterday's sentencing of Lazaro Prat and Lisette Lopez Prat, husband and wife, both from Miami, on Medicare fraud and money laundering charges. Lazaro Prat was convicted of conspiring to defraud Medicare and conspiring to launder Medicare fraud proceeds. Lisette Lopez Prat was convicted of conspiring with her husband and others to launder the proceeds of Medicare fraud.

December 20, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of Louisiana

Former Lafayette, La Cardiologist Reports To Prison to Begin Ten Year Sentence Lafayette, La. - United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Dr. Mehmood M. Patel, 67, a former Lafayette cardiologist surrendered to the Bureau of Prisons on December 17, 2012, to begin serving a ten year sentence.

December 20, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of California

10 Members of Fraudulent Prescription Ring Arrested OAKLAND - On December 18, 2012, ten people were arrested for their participation in a network that obtained significant quantities of prescription narcotics through forged prescriptions, United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced.

December 20, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Clinical Director for Miami-based Health Care Clinic Sentenced to Prison for Role in $50 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A former clinical director for Biscayne Milieu, a Miami-based mental-health clinic, was sentenced today to 100 months in prison for his participation in a Medicare fraud scheme involving the submission of more than $50 million in fraudulent billings to Medicare, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Christopher B. Dennis of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations Miami Office.

December 20, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Illinois

Owner of Former South Suburban Home Health Care Business Sentenced To 10 Years in Prison for $2.9 Million Medicare Fraud CHICAGO - The co-owner of a former south suburban home health care business was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for defrauding Medicare of more than $2.9 million by submitting tens of thousands of false claims annually that misrepresented medical services provided to beneficiaries. BAHIR HAJ KHALIL, the executive manager and co-owner of House Call Physicians LLC, in Palos Hills, was the last of three defendants to be sentenced following Khalil's conviction at a trial in September.

December 19, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Amgen Inc. Pleads Guilty To Federal Charge in Brooklyn and Pays $762 Million to Resolve Criminal Liability and Civil Fraud Allegations Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, New York, U.S. District Judge Sterling Johnson, Jr. accepted a guilty plea by American biotechnology giant Amgen Inc. ("Amgen") for illegally introducing a misbranded drug into interstate commerce, and approved Amgen's global settlement with the United States in which Amgen agreed to pay $762 million to resolve criminal and civil liability arising from its sale and promotion of certain drugs. The settlement represents the single largest criminal and civil fraud settlement involving a biotechnology company in U.S. history.

December 19, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Sanofi US Agrees to Pay $109 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations of Free Product Kickbacks to Physicians Sanofi-Aventis U.S. Inc. and Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC, subsidiaries of international drug manufacturer Sanofi (collectively, Sanofi US), have agreed to pay $109 million to resolve allegations that Sanofi US violated the False Claims Act by giving physicians free units of Hyalgan, a knee injection, in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute, to induce them to purchase and prescribe the product. The settlement also resolves allegations that Sanofi US submitted false average sales price (ASP) reports for Hyalgan that failed to account for free units distributed contingent on Hyalgan purchases. The government alleges that the false ASP reports, which were used to set reimbursement rates, caused government programs to pay inflated amounts for Hyalgan and a competing product.

December 19, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Owners of Two Miami Home Health Companies Plead Guilty in $48 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme The owners and operators of two Miami health care agencies pleaded guilty today for their participation in a $48 million home health Medicare fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dennis of the HHS Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations Miami Office.

December 18, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Central District of California

Orange County Doctor Sentenced to Year in Prison in $11 Million Medicare Scam Involving Patients Recruited from L.A.'s 'Skid Row' LOS ANGELES - A physician who admitted homeless patients to the Tustin Hospital and Medical Center after they had been driven from "Skid Row" in downtown Los Angeles as part of a Medicare fraud scheme has been sentenced to one year in federal prison. Dr. Kenneth Thaler, 61, of Westminster, was sentenced yesterday afternoon by Chief United States District Judge George H. King. Thaler, who admitted approximately 60 patients per month-including some who did not require hospitalization-also was ordered to pay approximately $11 million in restitution to the Medicare program.

December 18, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of New York

Alleged Fugitive "Deadbeat Parent" Arrested For Failure To Pay Over $1 Million In Child Support Earlier today, defendant Robert D. Sand, a fugitive wanted pursuant to a federal arrest warrant issued in the Eastern District of New York for failure to pay more than $1 million in court-ordered child support, was arrested by deputies with the United States Marshals Service after landing at Los Angeles International Airport following his deportation from the Republic of the Philippines.1 Sand's initial appearance is scheduled this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Bristol at the United States Courthouse in Los Angeles, California. Sand is scheduled to appear on January 16, 2013 ,before the Honorable Joseph F. Bianco at the United States Courthouse located in Central Islip, New York, for arraignment on an indictment that charges him with two counts of failure to pay child support.

December 18, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Owner of Brooklyn, N.Y., Clinic Pleads Guilty in Connection with $71 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - The owner and manager of a Brooklyn, N.Y., health care clinic pleaded guilty today in federal court for her role in a $71 million Medicare fraud and money laundering scheme, announced Lanny A. Breuer, Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice Criminal Division; Loretta E. Lynch, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; George Venizelos, Assistant Director in Charge, FBI, New York Field Office; and Thomas O'Donnell, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.

December 18, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Physical Therapy Assistant Pleads Guilty in Connection with Detroit Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - Detroit-area resident Ankit Patel pleaded guilty today for his role in a $13.8 million home health care fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Barbara L. McQuade; Special Agent in Charge Robert D. Foley III of the FBI's Detroit Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh III of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Chicago Regional Office.

December 17, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Leader of $63 Million Mental Health Fraud Scheme Pleads Guilty in Miami WASHINGTON - The owner of a string of community mental health centers pleaded guilty today in connection with a health care fraud and money laundering scheme involving defunct health care provider Health Care Solutions Network Inc. (HCSN), announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Christopher B. Dennis of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations Miami office.

December 17, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Los Angeles-area Church Pastor Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering and Conspiring with Doctors, Others to Defraud Medicare of More Than $11 Million WASHINGTON - A Los Angeles-area church pastor pleaded guilty today to conspiring with doctors, the operators of fraudulent medical clinics, street-level patient recruiters and others to defraud Medicare of more than $11 million, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney André Birotte Jr. of the Central District of California; Glenn R. Ferry, Special Agent in Charge for the Los Angeles Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Bill L. Lewis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office; and Joseph Fendrick, Special Agent in Charge of the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse.

December 17, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of California

San Jose Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud SAN JOSE, CA-Gurinder Mand pleaded guilty in federal court in San Jose on December 12, 2012, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced. In pleading guilty, Mand admitted she knowingly and willfully conspired with the former owner of EZ Step pharmacy and others to submit false and fraudulent claims to health care benefit programs, including Medicare, Medi-Cal, and private insurance companies.

December 17, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Houston Man Arrested for Health Care Fraud HOUSTON - Lawrence T. Tyler, 40, has been indicted on charges of health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. The nine-count indictment, returned Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, was unsealed today upon his arrest without incident.

December 17, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Virginia

Ex-Staffing Manager of Home Health Care Services Provider Sentenced for Alteration of Records to Conceal Medicaid Fraud NORFOLK, Va. - Lynette Smith, 41, of Suffolk, Va., was sentenced today to ten months in prison for altering records to conceal Medicaid fraud committed by a provider of home health care services. Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Robert G. Doumar.

December 14, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Central District of California

Hancock Park Physician Sentenced to Year in Federal Prison in Kickback Scheme that Defrauded Medicare Program LOS ANGELES - A Los Angeles physician who received approximately $30,000 in illegal kickbacks as part of a scheme that defrauded Medicare out of more than $5 million has been sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison.

December 13, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Texas

Amarillo, Texas, Orthodontist Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Health Care Fraud AMARILLO, Texas - Dr. Michael David Goodwin, 63, an orthodontist who practices in Amarillo, Texas, and Crown Point, Indiana, pleaded guilty in federal court today, before U.S. District Judge Mary Lou Robinson, to one count of health care fraud related to his scheme to defraud the Texas Medicaid program, announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Salda�a of the Northern District of Texas. Goodwin faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine and restitution. He will remain on bond pending sentencing, which is set for February 7, 2013.

December 13, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Owner of Louisiana-based Health Care Company Convicted in Texas for Role in $6.7 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - The owner and operator of a Louisiana-based durable medical equipment (DME) company was convicted today by a federal jury in Houston for his role in a $6.7 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas; and Special Agent in Charge Mike Fields of the Dallas Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG).

December 13, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Houston-area Doctor Convicted in $17.3 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme Involving Fraudulent Claims for Home Health Care Services WASHINGTON - A federal jury in Houston today convicted Ben Harris Echols, 63, of Houston, for conspiring to commit healthcare fraud by falsifying plans of care for Medicare beneficiaries, including patients whom he did not treat. After a four day trial, the jury convicted Echols of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and six counts of false statements relating to health care matters.

December 12, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Pfizer Agrees to Pay $55 Million for Illegally Promoting Protonix for Off-Label Use Pfizer Inc. will pay $55 million plus interest to resolve allegations that Wyeth LLC illegally introduced and caused the introduction into interstate commerce of a misbranded drug, Protonix, between February 2000 and June 2001, the Justice Department announced today.

December 12, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Middle District of Florida

Local Pharmacist Guilty Of Filling Hundreds of Fraudulent Oxycodone Prescriptions Tampa, Florida - A federal jury yesterday found Emmanuel I. Mekowulu (56, Tampa) guilty of conspiring with other persons to knowingly and intentionally distribute and dispense a controlled substance, primarily Oxycodone, outside of a legitimate medical purpose and not in the usual course of professional practice. Mekowulu faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. As part of the sentence, he will also forfeit his Florida Department of Health Pharmacist License and the DEA Registration and Florida Department of Health Pharmacy License for Felky Rx, LLC, which were used to commit or facilitate the offense.

December 12, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Florida

Medicare Beneficiaries and Patient Recruiter Found Convicted of Accepting Kickbacks from Home Health Agency Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, Christopher B. Dennis, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Antonio J. Gomez, Acting Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division, announce that defendants Marianela Terrero, Daymi Fuentes Gil, Olga Martinez Rodriguez, and Joel Loyola, were convicted by a jury after trial of conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks related to home health services. Sentencing has been scheduled for February 19, 2013 at 11:30 AM before U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks.

December 12, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Florida

Sunrise Man Arrested and Charged in $20 Million Payroll Tax Fraud Scheme Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Jose A. Gonzalez, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CID), and Christopher B. Dennis, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), announce the unsealing of a December 6, 2012 indictment charging Sonny Austin Ramdeo, 35, of Sunrise, with wire fraud in connection with a $20 million federal payroll tax fraud scheme, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 and 2. Ramdeo was arrested today in Brooklyn, and made his initial appearance in federal court in the Eastern District of New York earlier today. He is expected to be removed to the Southern District of Florida on these charges.

December 11, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Detroit-Area Physical Therapy Assistant Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Role in $13.8 Million Home Health Care Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON-A Detroit-area registered physical therapy assistant was sentenced today to serve 30 months in prison for her role in a nearly $13.8 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Barbara L. McQuade; Special Agent in Charge Robert D. Foley III of the FBI's Detroit Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh III of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General Chicago Regional Office.

December 11, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Idaho

Caldwell Optometrist Sentenced for Defrauding Health Care Benefit Programs BOISE - U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced today that Christopher Card, 60, of Caldwell, Idaho, was sentenced in United States District Court to 36 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for executing a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Card to pay $1 million in restitution and fined him $100,000. He pleaded guilty to the charge on August 16, 2012.

December 10, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Brooklyn, N.Y., Physician and Clinic President Pleads Guilty to Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A medical doctor and the president of two Brooklyn, N.Y., medical clinics pleaded guilty today for his role in a scheme resulting in more than $11.7 million in fraudulent Medicare claims, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division.

December 10, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Brooklyn, N.Y., Doctor Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Role in Medicare and Private Insurance Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Brooklyn, N.Y., board-certified colorectal surgeon, who owned and operated a New York medical clinic, was sentenced today to serve 30 months in prison for his role in a fraud scheme that billed Medicare and more than 10 private insurance companies for surgeries and other complex medical procedures that were never performed, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, Acting Assistant Director in Charge George Venizelos of the FBI's New York Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Thomas O'Donnell of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General New York Regional Office.

December 7, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Mississippi

Summit Oncologist, Madison Biller Sentenced for Health Care Fraud JACKSON, MI-Dr. Meera Sachdeva, 50, of Summit, Brittany McCoskey, 26, of Monticello, and Monica Weeks, 40, of Madison, were sentenced in U.S. District Court today on charges that they defrauded Medicare by submitting false claims for chemotherapy services, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen, and Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General in Atlanta.

December 7, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of North Carolina

Ambulance Company Owner and Son Indicted In Health Care Fraud Conspiracy GREENVILLE - United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker announced that today United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard unsealed an Indictment against Phyllis Stallings Harrell and Paul Lynn Trueblood, both of Belvidere, North Carolina. The Indictment charges Harrell and Trueblood in 68 counts, including Conspiracy to Commit Health Care and Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349; Health Care Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1347; Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343; False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1035; Conducting Transactions in Criminally Derived Property, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957; and Making Material False Statements, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001.

December 6, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Florida

Hialeah Clinic Company Owner Convicted in Medicare Fraud Scheme Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Christopher B. Dennis, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Miami Division, announced that a federal jury found defendant Maggie Leon, 35 of Hialeah, Florida, guilty of eight counts of health care fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1347, and conspiracy to commit the same, Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349. Sentencing has been scheduled for February 6, 2013 before U.S. States District Judge Paul Huck.

December 6, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Healthpoint Ltd. to Pay up to $48 Million for False Medicaid and Medicare Claims for Unapproved Prescription Drug Healthpoint Ltd. and DFB Pharmaceuticals will pay up to $48 million to resolve allegations that Healthpoint caused false claims to be submitted to Medicare and Medicaid for an unapproved drug, Xenaderm, which was ineligible for reimbursement by those programs, the Justice Department announced today. Under the terms of the agreement, Healthpoint and DFB will pay $28 million, plus another $20 million if there is a change in ownership of Healthpoint or DFB over the next three years.

December 6, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Pharmacy Owner Pleads Guilty in Miami for Role in $23 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A co-owner and operator of three Miami discount pharmacies pleaded guilty today in connection with a $23 million health care fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Christopher B. Dennis of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations Miami office.

December 6, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Bryan Women Charged With Health Care Fraud HOUSTON - Yolanda Nowlin, 41, and Carla Parnell, 49, both of Bryan, have been charged in a seven-count indictment alleging conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, conspiracy to pay kickbacks and theft of government money, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. Nowlin was the owner of Yellabone Medical Equipment Inc. in Bryan and Parnell was its office manager.

December 5, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Connecticut

Substance Abuse Counselor Indicted On Health Care Fraud and Identity Theft Offenses David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 27-count indictment yesterday charging Alan Emmett Bradley, 57, of Norwalk, Conn. and Ocoee, Fla., with health care fraud and identity theft offenses.

December 5, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of West Virginia

Doctor Charged with Health Care Fraud, Tax Offenses, and Bankruptcy Fraud Wheeling, West Virginia - A West Virginia doctor has been charged with twenty-three felonies related to the operation of his dermatology practice in Bridgeport.

December 3, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Brooklyn, N.Y., Clinic Employee Pleads Guilty in Connection with $71 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Brooklyn, N.Y., resident pleaded guilty today for his role in a $71 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Loretta E. Lynch, Acting Assistant Director in Charge George Venizelos of the FBI's New York Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Thomas O'Donnell of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).

December 3, 2012: Eastern District of Tennessee

The United States has filed a Complaint-in-Intervention under the False Claims Act against Life Care Centers of America.

November 2012

November 30, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Florida

President of Miami Medical Clinic Sentenced on Health Care Fraud Charges Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Christopher B. Dennis, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), announce yesterday's sentencing of defendant Arbilio Yanes on Medicare fraud and related offenses. U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga sentenced Yanes to 151 months in prison.

November 30, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Maryland

Former NIH Employee Sentenced for Using Government Credit Cards for Personal Use Baltimore, Maryland - U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Tamia M. McCoy, age 33, of Germantown, Maryland, today to six months in prison, followed by six months of home detention as part of three years of supervised release, and 100 hours of community service, for theft of government property and money, in connection with her use of government credit cards to make unauthorized purchases of goods and services for her personal use. McCoy was also ordered by pay restitution of $106,096.09.

November 29, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of New Hampshire

Former Employee Of Exeter Hospital Indicted In Connection With Hepatitis C Outbreak CONCORD, N.H. -David M. Kwiatkowski, 33, a former employee of Exeter Hospital, has been indicted for his alleged role in causing the Hepatitis C outbreak that infected patients in New Hampshire as well as other states, announced United States Attorney John P. Kacavas.

November 29, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Connecticut

Brookfield Podiatrist Charged with Medicare Fraud David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SAMIR ZAKY, 37, of Brookfield, was arrested today on federal health care fraud charges.

November 29, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Death Charge Added To Indictment Against Pill Mill Doc PHILADELPHIA - A third superseding indictment was unsealed today against Dr. Norman Werther, 73, of Horsham, adding nine new defendants and dozens more charges, most notably distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death, announced First Assistant United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. It is the first such case in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Werther was originally indicted on August 10, 2011 with 51 co-defendants.

November 28, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Two Brooklyn Clinic Employees Plead Guilty in Connection with $71 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON-Two Brooklyn, New York residents pleaded guilty today for their roles in a $71 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Loretta E. Lynch; Acting Assistant Director in Charge Mary E. Galligan of the FBI's New York Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Thomas O'Donnell of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

November 28, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Lauderdale County Doctor Pleads Guilty to Health Care and Wire Fraud FLORENCE-A Lauderdale County physician pleaded guilty today in federal court to fraud totaling about $1 million in connection with billing a health insurer and Medicare for non-reimbursable cosmetic skin treatments, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard D. Schwein.

November 28, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Palmview Siblings Sentenced for Health Care Fraud Conspiracy McALLEN, Texas - Velma Alaniz, 31, and her brother Valente Alaniz, 27, both of Palmview, have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid through fraudulent billings for power wheelchairs, incontinent supplies and other medical items, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today along with and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.

November 27, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Baylor University Medical Center to Pay More Than $900,000 for False Medicare Claims for Radiation Oncology Services Baylor University Medical Center, Baylor Health Care System and HealthTexas Provider Network (collectively, Baylor) have agreed to pay the United States $907,355 to settle allegations that Baylor submitted false claims to Medicare, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (TRICARE) and the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP) for various radiation oncology services, including intensity modulated radiation therapy, the Justice Department announced today.

November 26, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Los Angeles-Area Doctor Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud Medicare of Over $11 Million WASHINGTON- A Los Angeles-area doctor pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud Medicare of over $11 million, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney André Birotte Jr. of the Central District of California; Glenn R. Ferry, Special Agent in Charge for the Los Angeles Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General; Bill L. Lewis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office; and Tony Sidley, Assistant Chief of the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse.

November 20, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of South Dakota

Mission Woman Indicted on Health Care Fraud Charges US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Mission woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of health care fraud and one charge of larceny.

November 20, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Group of Owned and Affiliated Florida Hospitals Agree to Pay U.S. $10.1 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations WASHINGTON-Morton Plant Mease Health Care Inc. and its affiliated hospitals (Morton Plant) have agreed to pay $10,169,114 to the federal government to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims for services rendered to Medicare patients, the Justice Department announced today. Morton Plant owns and operates, or is affiliated with, Morton Plant Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital, Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, St. Anthony's Hospital, Mease Countryside Hospital, and Mease Dunedin Hospital. These hospitals are part of the BayCare Health System in Florida's Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties.

November 20, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

South Carolina-based Harmony Care Hospice Inc. and CEO/Owner Daniel J. Burton to Pay U.S. $1.286 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Harmony Care Hospice Inc. (Harmony) and Harmony owner and chief executive officer Daniel J. Burton have agreed to pay the United States $1,286,999.32 to settle allegations that the South Carolina-based company submitted false claims to Medicare for patients under care at its hospice facilities, the Justice Department announced today.

November 20, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Two Plead Guilty in Miami for Roles in $63 Million Mental Health Care Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON -A registered nurse pleaded guilty today and a former program coordinator pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with a health care fraud scheme involving defunct health provider Health Care Solutions Network Inc. (HCSN), announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI's Miami Field Office; and Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher B. Dennis of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations Miami office.

November 19, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Detroit-Area Nurse Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Role in $13.8 Million Home Health Care Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON-A Detroit-area registered nurse was sentenced today to serve 30 months in prison for his role in a nearly $13.8 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Barbara L. McQuade; Special Agent in Charge Robert D. Foley III of the FBI's Detroit Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh III of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General Chicago Regional Office.

November 19, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Maryland

Coventry Health Care, Inc. Agrees To Pay $3 Million To The U.S. As Part Of A Non-Prosecution
Agreement Baltimore, Maryland - Coventry Health Care, Inc. (Coventry) has agreed to pay the United States $3 million in return for the agreement by the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland not to prosecute Coventry criminally for any crimes arising from the unauthorized access by its employees to a Medicare database.

November 16, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of New York

Utica, New York Physician Indicted In $12,000,000 Health Care Fraud Scheme Richard S. Hartunian, United States Attorney, Northern District of New York, Thomas O'Donnell, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and Clifford C. Holly, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced today that a Binghamton, New York grand jury returned an indictment on November 14, 2012, charging Utica physician DILIP D. KACHARE, 58, with three counts of Health Care Fraud and sixteen counts of Mail Fraud. If found guilty, KACHARE faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.00 on the Health Care Fraud counts, and a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.00 on the Mail Fraud counts.

November 16, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Two Patient Recruiters Sentenced in Miami for Roles in $50 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - Two former patient recruiters for Miami-based mental health clinic Biscayne Milieu Health Care Inc. were sentenced today for their participation in a Medicare fraud scheme involving the submission of more than $50 million in fraudulent billings to Medicare, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Christopher B. Dennis of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations Miami Office.

November 16, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Program Director and Therapist from Miami-Area Mental Health Care Corporation Convicted for Participating in $205 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A federal jury yesterday convicted a Miami-area program director and a Miami-area therapist for their participation in a Medicare fraud scheme involving more than $205 million in fraudulent billings by mental health care corporation American Therapeutic Corporation (ATC), announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Christopher B. Dennis of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations Miami Office.

November 15, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of Tennessee

Mississippi Resident Pleads Guilty To Medicare Fraud Scheme Involving Power Mobility Devices Memphis, TN - Tess Gurley Rouse, 41, of Corinth, Mississippi, pleaded guilty today to one count of defrauding Medicare of more than $368,000, announced United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton III. Using her company, Eagle Eye Durable Medical Equipment in Counce, Tennessee, Rouse falsified claims electronically for Power Mobility Devices for Medicare beneficiaries in West Tennessee, North Mississippi and elsewhere. Many of the recipients would not have qualified for these devices under the criteria established by Medicare.

November 15, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Illinois

Chicago Psychiatrist Allegedly Submitted At Least 190,000 False Claims to Medicare and Medicaid; Lawsuit Alleges Kickbacks to Prescribe Antipsychotic Medication for Nursing Home Patients CHICAGO - A Chicago psychiatrist received illegal kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies and submitted at least 140,000 false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for antipsychotic medications he prescribed for thousands of mentally ill patients in area nursing homes, according to a civil health care fraud lawsuit filed today by the United States. The defendant, Dr. Michael J. Reinstein, also submitted at least 50,000 claims to Medicare and Medicaid, falsely stating that he provided "pharmacologic management" for his patients at more than 30 area nursing homes and long-term care facilities, the lawsuit alleges.

November 14, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

DME Owner Convicted of Health Care Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft HOUSTON - Abdul Waheed Alex Shittu, 54, a naturalized United States citizen from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

November 14, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Kansas

Indictment: Kidney Dialysis Patients Received Misbranded Drugs TOPEKA, KAN. - A Tennessee pharmacist is charged with substituting a cheaper drug imported from China for the iron sucrose that the Federal Drug Administration has approved for kidney dialysis patients, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

November 14, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Connecticut

Manchester Man Pleads Guilty To Federal Drug and Firearms Charges David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Robert Gentile, 76, of Manchester, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to multiple controlled substances and firearms offenses.

November 13, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Virginia

Mental Health Service Provider Sentenced to 48 Months for Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud RICHMOND, Va. - Joseph T. Hackett, 32, of Asheville, N.C., was sentenced today to 48 months in prison, followed by a term of three years of supervised release, for Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud. He also agreed to forfeit $1,570,041.60 and pay $1,570,041.60 in restitution to the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services.

November 9, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Virginia

Owner of Chantilly Pain Clinic Sentenced to 180 Months for Drug-Trafficking, Fraud Charges ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Paul Boccone, 56, was sentenced today to 180 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for turning his Chantilly-based pain clinic into a haven for drug addicts, servicing thousands of customers traveling hundreds of miles to illegally obtain large amounts of oxycodone and other prescription pain medicine. Charles Brown, Jr., 52, the lead nurse practitioner at Chantilly Specialists, was also sentenced today to 60 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in distributing oxycodone.

November 8, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Indiana

Indictments Returned in Hammond Federal Court HAMMOND, IN-The United States Attorney's Office announced indictments were returned on November 8, 2012 for Hoosier EMS Roy Dunn, 59, and Kahley Vergon-Mayotte, 27, both of Winimac, Indiana; and Anthony Bitterling, 39, of Monticello, Indiana. They were charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud. These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

November 6, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Michigan

Detroit-area Physician Sentenced to 60 Months for Health Care Fraud Jonathan Agbebiyi, 63, of Sterling Heights, Michigan, was sentenced yesterday for his role in a $5.4 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade. McQuade was joined in the announcement by Assistant Attorney General Lanny A Breuer of the Criminal Division in Washington, DC, Special Agent-In-Charge, Robert Foley, III, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh III of the Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General's Chicago Regional Office.

November 6, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of Missouri

Former Jasper County Official Pleads Guilty To Document Fraud Springfield, Mo. - David M. Ketchmark, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that the former public administrator of Jasper County, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today to document fraud, which was part of a scheme in which she illegally obtained federal benefits for her wards.

November 5, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Missouri Hospital System Agrees to Pay $9.3 Million to Resolve False Claims Act and Stark
Law Violations Freeman Health System, a healthcare provider and hospital system located in Joplin, Mo., has agreed to pay $9,316,139 to resolve allegations that it violated the Stark Law and the False Claims Act by knowingly providing incentive pay to physicians in a manner that violated federal law, the Justice Department announced today.

November 5, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Owner of Miami Assisted Living Facility Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Role in Medicare
Fraud Conspiracy WASHINGTON - The owner of a Miami-Dade County assisted living facility (ALF) was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for her role in a kickback scheme that funneled ALF patients to fraudulent mental health providers American Therapeutic Corporation (ATC) and Health Care Solutions Network (HCSN), announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department=s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI=s Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Christopher B. Dennis of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Office of Investigations Miami Office.

November 5, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of North Carolina

Two Women Sentenced To Prison for Health Care Fraud Conspiracy, Illegal Kickbacks and Forged Prescriptions for Controlled Substances CHARLOTTE, N.C. - A Rowan County woman and her Mecklenburg County co-conspirator were sentenced to prison on Friday, November 2, 2012, in U.S. District Court for their role in a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid and related offenses, announced Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

November 5, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

7th Defendant Sentenced to Federal Prison in Multi-Million Dollar Health Care Fraud Case HOUSTON - Tony Nnonso Obi, 56, a naturalized U.S. citizen from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for his role in a massive health care fraud conspiracy that billed the Medicare and Medicaid programs for more than $45 million, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

November 2, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Orthofix Subsidiary, Blackstone Medical, Pays U.S. $30 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Orthofix International NV, has agreed to pay the United States $30 million to settle allegations that an Orthofix subsidiary, Blackstone Medical Inc., paid illegal kickbacks to physicians in order to induce use of the company's products, the Justice Department announced today. Orthofix, which manufactures spinal implants and other spinal surgery products, is a publicly traded company headquartered in Curacao.

November 2, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Columbia

Maryland Woman Sentenced to 75 Months in Prison for Defrauding D.C. Medicaid Program by Submitting Over $7 Million in Phony Claims WASHINGTON - Jacqueline Wheeler, 55, the chief executive officer and owner of two health care companies, was sentenced today to six years and three months in prison for health care fraud and other federal offenses stemming from the submission of more than $7 million in fraudulent claims to the District of Columbia Medicaid program.

November 1, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of North Carolina

Gastonia Woman Sentenced To 15 Months in Prison for Scheme to Defraud Medicaid CHARLOTTE, N.C. - A Gaston County woman was sentenced on Wednesday, October 31, 2012, to serve 15 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release for her role in a scheme to defraud North Carolina Medicaid, announced the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of North Carolina.

October 2012

October 31, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty To Health Care Fraud PHILADELPHIA - A former manager for a company that manufactures and distributes bone growth stimulator medical devices pleaded guilty today to health care fraud, in connection with his scheme to submit $250,000 in fraudulent claims for bone stimulators that did not meet Medicare's guidelines. Brian Racey, 42, of North Wales, PA, was a territory manager for Orthofix, Inc. in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware from April 2004 until he resigned on March 31, 2011.

October 31, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Illinois

Former Inmate Sentenced for Fraud on the Medicaid Home Services Program On October 30, 2012, Keith Foreman, 57, of Metropolis, IL was sentenced in the District Court in Benton, IL on one count of making False Statements related to Health Care Matters, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.

October 29, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Mission Pharmacy Owner and Former Technician Sentenced to Federal Prison McALLEN - Sara Elicia Garza, 56, and Valerie Jean Flores 39, both of Mission, have been sentenced to federal prison for conspiring to defraud the Texas Medicaid/Vendor Drug program, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today along with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. Garza was a pharmacist and the owner and operator of Sara's Pharmacy and Gift Corner and employed Flores as a senior pharmacist technician. The pharmacy closed on or about Oct. 28, 2011.

October 29, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of Michigan

Physical Therapist Ph.D. Sentenced to 13 Months of Prison and Pays More Than $3 Million Dollars in Restitution, Civil Penalties, and Back Taxes GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN - U.S. District Judge Robert Holmes Bell sentenced Chyawan Bansil, P.T., Ph.D., 61, of Farmington Hills, Michigan to 13 months prison on charges of health care fraud and money laundering, U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Miles, Jr. announced today. The convictions arise from an Indictment which charged that between February 2007 and January 2012, Dr. Bansil defrauded Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan of more than $1 million by causing those programs to be billed for expensive nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography tests that Dr. Bansil did not perform.

October 26, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of New York

Leader of $100 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme Pleads Guilty in Manhattan Federal Court to Racketeering and Other Crimes Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that Davit Mirzoyan pled guilty today in Manhattan Federal Court to racketeering and other crimes in connection with his involvement in an Armenian-American criminal organization involved in a wide range of criminal activity, including a massive Medicare fraud. Mirzoyan pled guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Henry B. Pitman.

October 26, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Detroit Area Physician, Home Health Agency Owner And Patient Recruiter Convicted In $14.5 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A federal jury in Detroit today convicted a physician, a home health agency owner and patient recruiter for their participation in a $14.5 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade of the Eastern District of Michigan; Robert Foley III, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh, III of the HHS Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations Detroit Office.

October 26, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Miami Area Assisted Living Facility Owners Plead Guilty for Roles in $63 Million Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - Two owners of Miami area assisted living facilities (ALF) pleaded guilty today in connection with a health care fraud scheme involving defunct Miami area health provider Health Care Solutions Network Inc. (HCSN), announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI's Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Christopher B. Dennis of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Office of Investigations Miami office.

October 25, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Boehringer Ingelheim to Pay $95 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Government Alleges Company Improperly Marketed Three Drugs Connecticut-based Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc. has agreed to pay $95 million to resolve allegations relating to the improper promotion of the stroke-prevention drug Aggrenox, the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) drugs Atrovent and Combivent, and the hypertension drug Micardis, the Justice Department announced today.

October 24, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Eastern California

Third Physician Sentenced To Lengthy Prison Sentence In Medicare Fraud Case SACRAMENTO, Calif.- Dr. Ramanathan Prakash, 65, of Northridge, CA, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Morrison C. England, Jr. to a statutory maximum 10 year prison sentence. The defendant had been found guilty of Conspiring to Commit healthcare fraud, and three counts of healthcare fraud by a jury on July 8, 2011. Judge England also imposed a $75,000 fine and ordered Prakash to pay $607,456.80 in restitution.

October 24, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of New York

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces $7 Million Civil Fraud Settlement with Westchester County Hospital Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that the United States has filed and simultaneously settled a civil fraud lawsuit against the Westchester County Health Care Corporation, doing business as the Westchester Medical Center ("WMC") for submitting false reimbursement claims to Medicaid, a joint federal and state program that provides financial assistance to individuals with low incomes for medical care. The Government's Complaint alleges that WMC billed Medicaid for millions of dollars of outpatient services at its mental health center that lacked the core documentation required by Medicaid regulations. The settlement, approved today in Manhattan federal court by U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon, requires WMC to pay $7 million in civil damages under the False Claims Act.

October 23, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Florida

Owner of Miami Home Health Company Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for $60 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme The owner of a Miami health care agency was sentenced today to 37 months in prison for his participation in a $60 million home health Medicare fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Christopher B. Dennis of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Office of Investigations Miami office.

October 23, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Department of Health and Human Services Employee Sentenced in North Carolina to Prison for Theft of Government Funds WASHINGTON - An employee of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was sentenced today in Asheville, N.C., to six months in prison for stealing $114,494 in government funds, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Elton Malone of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Office of Investigations, Special Investigations Branch.

October 23, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of New York

United States Intervenes in Action Alleging That New York City Department of Education Improperly Billed Medicaid for Psychological Services to Special Education Students Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, today announced that the United States has intervened in the matter of Ohlmeyer ex rel United States of America v. City of New York, an action brought pursuant to the qui tam whistleblower provisions of the federal False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-33. In its complaint, the United States alleges that the City of New York Department of Education (DOE) submitted false claims to Medicaid for psychological counseling services to special education students in the New York City public schools.

October 19, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Texas

Licensed Professional Counselor Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison LUBBOCK, Texas - Licensed Professional Counselor Margie E. Hollingsworth, of Lubbock, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings to 46 months in federal prison, following her guilty plea in February 2012 to one count of making a false statement in a health care matter. In addition, Judge Cummings ordered that Hollingsworth pay a $6,000 fine and $556,704 in restitution to Medicaid. She must surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on or before November 23, 2012. Today's announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Salda�a, of the Northern District of Texas.

October 19, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Former Nigerian Fugitive Convicted in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme HOUSTON - Godwin Chiedo Nzeocha, 45, a naturalized United States citizen originally from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has been convicted for his role in the multi-million dollar City Nursing health care fraud scheme, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

October 18, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Owner and Operator of Florida Halfway House Company Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Role in Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - The owner and operator of New Way Recovery Inc., a Florida corporation that operated several halfway houses, was sentenced today to serve 51 months in prison for his role in a $205 million Medicare fraud scheme involving fraudulent claims for purported partial hospitalization program (PHP) services, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI's Miami Field Office; and Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher B. Dennis of the HHS Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations Miami Office.

October 17, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Clinic Owners Plead Guilty in Detroit-Area Infusion Therapy Scheme WASHINGTON - Two owners and operators of clinics that claimed to specialize in treating HIV and other conditions pleaded guilty today for their roles in an infusion therapy scheme carried out at two Detroit-area clinics that submitted millions of dollars in fraudulent claims to Medicare.

October 16, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Central District of California

Grand Jury Indicts New Defendants and Brings Additional Charges Against Los Angeles-Based Oxycontin Ring That Allegedly Bilked Medicare LOS ANGELES-A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment that charges 16 defendants with being part of a drug trafficking organization that illegally obtained and distributed more than 900,000 Oxycontin pills obtained in part through fraud against public insurance programs such as Medicare.

October 16, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of New Jersey

Former Executive Director of Diagnostic Testing Center Admits Bribing Doctors in
Cash-For-Patients Scheme NEWARK, N.J. - The former executive director of Orange Community MRI LLC, today admitted paying bribes to doctors since April 2008 and agreed to forfeit $89,000 in proceeds from the crime, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

October 16, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Former Biller for Marcelo Herrera Doing Business As RGV DME Convicted McALLEN, Texas - Beatriz Ramos, 28, of Edinburg, a former biller for RGV DME, a now defunct McAllen area durable medical equipment (DME) business, has pleaded guilty today for her role in a conspiracy and scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid through fraudulent billings, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today along with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.

October 15, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

CVS Subsidiary, RxAmerica, Reaches $5 Million Settlement with US for Allegedly Submitting False Pricing Relating to the Company's Medicare Part D Plan In one of the first False Claims Act settlements involving Medicare's Prescription Drug Program, known as Part D, RxAmerica LLC. has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the United States in which it has agreed to pay the government $5.25 million to resolve allegations that it made false submissions to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Justice Department announced today. RxAmerica, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CVS Caremark Corporation, provides prescription drug benefits to Medicare beneficiaries pursuant to a prescription drug plan.

October 15, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Owner of Miami Home Health Company Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for $42 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - The owner and operator of a Miami health care agency was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for his participation in a $42 million home health Medicare fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI's Miami Field Office; and Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher B. Dennis of the HHS Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Office of Investigations Miami Office.

October 15, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Houston Ambulance Company Administrator Pleads Guilty to Fraud WASHINGTON - The administrator of CardioMax EMS, a Houston-based ambulance company, pleaded guilty today to charges that he submitted approximately $1,734,550 in fraudulent claims to Medicare, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas; Special Agent-In-Charge Elvis McBride of the FBI's Houston Field Office; Special Agent-in-Charge Mike Fields of the Dallas Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's Office of the Inspector General; and the Texas Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

October 15, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Pennsylvania

California Man Admits To Running Fraudulent Medicare Clinic in Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA - George Baginyan, 32, of Glendale, California, pleaded guilty today to defrauding Medicare in connection with his operation of a fraudulent clinic. Baginyan was the owner of New Era Health Center Inc. ("New Era"), a purported clinic that was located near the Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. Between December 2008 and October 2009, Baginyan used the National Provider Identification number (NPI) of an elderly and frail doctor of osteopathy to bill Medicare for medical services and tests, making it appear that the doctor had provided those services and tests when he had not, and when in fact the doctor had never set foot in New Era. In total, it is charged that the defendant caused the submission of fraudulent bills to Medicare totaling approximately $248,000, resulting in payments from Medicare totaling approximately $132,848.81.

October 15, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of South Dakota

Woman Sentenced for Making False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Okreek, South Dakota, woman charged with False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters was sentenced on October 15, 2012, by US District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol. Shirlee Anne Clothier, a/k/a Anne Shirlee Morrison, a/k/a Anne Bordeaux, a/k/a Shirlee Anne Bordeaux, age 58, was sentenced to two months of home confinement, three years of probation, a $500 fine, and a $100 assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund. Count II of the Indictment was dismissed.

October 12, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Business Owner Heads to Prison for Health Care Offenses Perpetrated in Texas and Louisiana HOUSTON - Endurance Iyamu, 48, of Houston, has been handed a 30-month prison sentence following his convictions of conspiracy and health care fraud, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. Iyamu pleaded guilty July 13, 2012.

October 12, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of New Jersey

Eighth New Jersey Health Care Practitioner Pleads Guilty In Cash-For-Patients Scheme NEWARK, N.J. - Rameshcha Kania, a doctor practicing in East Orange, N.J., today admitted his role in a cash-for-patients scheme with a diagnostic facility in Orange, N.J., U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

October 12, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Florida

Miami-Area Therapist Sentenced to 108 Months in Prison for Participating in $205 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme Miami-area resident Vanja Abreu (Ph.D), former program director at the mental health care company American Therapeutic Corporation, was sentenced yesterday to 108 months in prison for participating in a $205 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Steinbach of the FBI's Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dennis of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations Miami office.

October 12, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Ohio

Medina Chiropractor Pleaded Guilty To Health Care Fraud A Medina chiropractor pleaded guilty to seven counts of health care fraud after overbilling Medicare and insurance companies more than $1.8 million for medical equipment and treatment that were not medically necessary, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

October 12, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Kansas

Former Topeka Nonprofit Executive Pleads Guilty To Health Care Fraud TOPEKA, KAN. - A former executive with a Topeka-based nonprofit corporation has pleaded guilty to scheming to steal more than $2 million in Medicaid funds, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

October 11, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Former Owners of Los Angeles DME Wholesale Company Arrested and Charged with Participating in $16.6 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - The former owners of a durable medical equipment (DME) wholesale company located in Ontario, Calif., were arrested late yesterday at Los Angeles International Airport in connection with a DME fraud scheme that resulted in the submission of over $16.6 million in false claims to Medicare and are expected to appear this afternoon in Los Angeles federal court.

October 11, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Miami-Area Therapist Sentenced to 108 Months in Prison for Participating in $205 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - Miami-area resident Vanja Abreu (Ph.D), former program director at the mental health care company American Therapeutic Corporation, was sentenced today to 108 months in prison for participating in a $205 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Michael B. Steinbach of the FBI's Miami Field Office; and Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher Dennis of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations Miami office.

October 11, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Texas

Owner of Texas Home Health Services Company Pleads Guilty, Admits Role in $374 Million Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Dallas-area home health services company owner today admitted his role in a $374 million home health fraud scheme in which he and others conspired to bill Medicare for unnecessary services that were never performed. Cyprian Akamnonu, 64, of Arlington, Texas, entered his guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud before U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay in Dallas federal court.

October 11, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Columbia

Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Medicaid Fraud Involving Power Wheelchairs and Incontinence Supplies WASHINGTON - Uche Ben Odunzeh, 31, of Laurel, Md., has pled guilty to a federal charge stemming from the submission of more than $275,000 in false health care claims, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced today.

October 10, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of New Jersey

Doctor admits taking cash kickbacks for patient referrals NEWARK, N.J. - A North Arlington, N.J., physician with an internal medicine practice in Newark today admitted receiving cash kickbacks for diagnostic testing referrals of his patients, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

October 10, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Louisiana

Physician Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud Violation NEW ORLEANS-Dr. Jack Voight, age 81, of Metairie, Louisiana pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge Lance M. Africk to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jim Letten.

October 10, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of South Dakota

Rosebud Woman (Barbara Duysak) Sentenced for Theft from Indian Tribal Organization United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, woman charged with Theft from Indian Tribal Organization was sentenced on October 1, 2012, by United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange. Barbara Duysak, a/k/a Barbara McCloskey, age 39, was sentenced to 2 months in custody, 6 months of home confinement, 3 years of supervised release, $42,433.20 in restitution, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund.

October 10, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of South Dakota

Rosebud Man (Nathan Janis) Sentenced for Theft from Indian Tribal Organization United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man charged with Theft from Indian Tribal Organization was sentenced on October 1, 2012, by United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange. Nathan Janis, age 32, was sentenced to 6 months in custody, 6 months at a residential re-entry program, 3 years of supervised release, $33,816.20 in restitution, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund.

October 10, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of South Dakota

Rosebud Woman (Tanya Walking Eagle) Sentenced for Theft from Indian Tribal Organization United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, woman charged with Theft from Indian Tribal Organization was sentenced on October 9, 2012, by United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange. Tanya Walking Eagle, age 39, was sentenced to 1 month in custody, 3 years of supervised release, $30,304 in restitution, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund.

October 9, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Minnesota

Brooklyn Park Man Pleads Guilty To Health Care Fraud MINNEAPOLIS-Today in federal court, a 51-year-old Brooklyn Park man pleaded guilty to executing a scheme to defraud Medicaid out of more than $500,000. Allwell Tam Inimgba pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud. Inimgba, who was charged via an Information on September 21, 2012, entered his plea before United States District Judge David S. Doty.

October 5, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Los Angeles Medical Equipment Supplier Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Los Angeles medical equipment supplier, who submitted almost $1 million in false claims to Medicare for expensive, high-end power wheelchairs, was sentenced today to serve 30 months in prison, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Andr� Birotte Jr. of the Central District of California; Glenn R. Ferry, Special Agent-in-Charge for the Los Angeles Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General; and Timothy Delaney, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office.

October 5, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Illinois

O'Fallon Nurse Sentenced for Health Care Fraud Diana L. Van Etten, 34, of O'Fallon, was sentenced in federal court on October 5, 2012, for causing false claims for fraudulent prescriptions to be filed with Medicaid, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Van Etten pleaded guilty to an Indictment charging her with Health Care Fraud in June 2012.

October 5, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Indiana

Indianapolis Woman Guilty Of Health Care Fraud, Receives Sentence Of More Than Six Years INDIANAPOLIS - Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney, announced this afternoon that Carol Y. Woodard, age 45, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 80 months (6 years, 8 months) by U.S. District Judge Larry J. McKinney after pleading guilty to health care fraud. Woodard admitted to filing more than $8.9 million in fraudulent claims with Indiana's Medicaid program as the manager of a purported community outreach center, ultimately receiving more than $1.9 million through her scheme.

October 4, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Medicare Fraud Strike Force Charges 91 Individuals for Approximately $430 Million in False Billing

Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations in seven cities have led to charges against 91 individuals - including doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals - for their alleged participation in Medicare fraud schemes involving approximately $429.2 million in false billing, Attorney General Eric Holder and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today.

"Today's coordinated operation demonstrates that law enforcement is flexible enough to address health care fraud in its many evolving forms," said HHS Inspector General Levinson. "When home health agencies, durable medical equipment companies, pharmacies, or other health care providers are suspected of breaking the law, they can expect to be caught and held accountable."

October 4, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of New York

Doctor, Four Chiropractors, and 10 Others Arrested in Brooklyn and Long Island as Part of Nationwide Medicare Strike Force Initiative Fifteen individuals, including a doctor and four licensed chiropractors, have been charged for their alleged participation in three separate schemes that falsely billed the Medicare and Medicaid programs for more than $23 million. The charges filed in Brooklyn and Central Islip, New York, are part of a nationwide takedown by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations that led to charges against 92 individuals for their alleged participation in schemes to collectively submit approximately $432 million in fraudulent claims. The charges are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

October 4, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Central District of California

Eighteen Los Angeles-Area Residents Charged as Part of Nationwide Medicare Fraud Strike Force Takedown LOS ANGELES-Eighteen Los Angeles-area residents-including three doctors and one physical therapist-have been charged in six local cases for their roles in schemes to submit more than $65 million in false billing to Medicare.

October 4, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Florida

33 South Florida Residents Charged as Part of Nationwide Coordinated Takedown by Medicare Fraud Strike Force Operations Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, Christopher B. Dennis, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and Tony Gomez, Acting Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division, announced that thirty-three (33) South Florida residents were charged for their alleged participation in various schemes to defraud Medicare out of more than $202 million. The charges in South Florida are part of a nationwide takedown by Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations in seven cities that resulted in charges against 91 individuals, including doctors, nurses and other licensed professionals, for their alleged participation in Medicare fraud schemes involving approximately $429.2 million in false billing.

October 4, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Illinois

Chicago Area Dermatologist And Psychologist Charged In Nationwide Medicare Fraud Strike Force Takedown CHICAGO - An area dermatologist and a psychologist were charged this week with engaging in separate health care fraud schemes to defraud the Medicare program and/or private health insurers of millions of dollars, federal law enforcement officials announced today. Also today, a co-owner of a former south suburban home health care business was convicted of a federal charge, a week after the other co-owner was convicted of health care fraud by a federal jury.

October 2, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of West Virginia

Golden Heart Executive Director Pleads Guilty To Federal Conspiracy Charge CHARLESTON, W.Va. - U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that the founder and executive director of a St. Albans in-home care business pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges. Shida S. Jamie, 62, owner of Golden Heart In Home Care, LLC (Golden Heart), admitted that in or about August or early September 2009, she altered and falsified records and documents of Golden Heart.

October 2, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Kansas

Former Topeka Physician Sentenced For Health Care Fraud TOPEKA, KAN. - A former Topeka physician has been placed on probation for two years and will be banned from receiving federal health care benefit program funds, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

October 2, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Abbott Laboratories Sentenced for Misbranding Drug Pharmaceutical manufacturer Abbott Laboratories Inc. was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samuel G. Wilson of the Western District of Virginia in connection with its guilty plea related to its unlawful promotion of the prescription drug Depakote for uses not approved as safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the Justice Department announced today. Abbott, which was ordered to pay a criminal fine in the amount of $500 million, plus a forfeiture of $198.5 million, and $1.5 million to the Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, will also be subject to a five-year term of probation.

October 1, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Two Miami-Area Doctors Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Participating in $205 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - Miami-area residents Dr. Mark Willner and Dr. Alberto Ayala, former medical directors at the mental health care company American Therapeutic Corporation (ATC), were each sentenced today to 10 years in prison for participating in a $205 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent-in-Charge Michael B. Steinbach of the FBI's Miami Field Office; and Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher Dennis of the HHS Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Office of Investigations Miami office.

October 1, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Wyoming

United States Reaches $2.7 Million Settlement with Wyoming Medical Center over Allegations of Medicare Fraud United States Attorney Christopher A. "Kip" Crofts announced today that a settlement has been reached with the Wyoming Medical Center (WMC), requiring the hospital to pay $2.7 million in damages arising from the alleged submission of fraudulent claims to Medicare.

September 2012

September 28, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Maryland

Baltimore Man Convicted of Social Security and Medicare Fraud Baltimore, Maryland - A federal jury convicted Christopher George Perry, age 50, of Baltimore, late yesterday of social security disability fraud, federal health benefit program fraud and health care fraud.

September 28, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Man Charged With Health Care Fraud PHILADELPHIA - Brian Racey, 42, of North Wales, PA, a former territory manager for Orthofix, Inc., was charged today by information with health care fraud in connection with a scheme to submit $250,000 in fraudulent claims for bone stimulators that did not meet Medicare's guidelines, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.

September 28, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Former Clinic Staffers Convicted in Health Care Fraud Conspiracy McALLEN, Texas - Eliza Lozano Lumbreras, 65, and San Juanita Gallegos Lozano, 56, both of Mission, have entered pleas of guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud arising from a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid in the operation of the Mission Clinic and La Hacienda Family Clinic, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today along with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. The pair, who are related by marriage, both pleaded guilty today at the start of the seventh day

September 27, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of New Jersey

Former Owner and Medical Director of Diagnostic Testing Center Pleads Guilty To Paying Bribes to Doctors for Referrals NEWARK, N.J. - A radiologist who owned and operated a diagnostic testing center in Orange, N.J., pleaded guilty today to overseeing a lengthy and wide-ranging cash-for-patients scheme with doctors who referred patients to him, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

September 26, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of New York

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Charges against Former CEO Of Hospital For Special Surgery In $1.4 Million Kickback Scheme Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Thomas O'Donnell, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, announced today the arrest of JOHN R. REYNOLDS, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital for Special Surgery, in connection with a decade-long kickback scheme involving $1.4 million in payments that he allegedly extorted or solicited from Hospital vendors, a Hospital employee, and a United Kingdom-based healthcare organization.

September 25, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Georgia

Armenian National Pleads Guilty in Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme BRUNSWICK, GA-Khoren Gasparian, 29, a citizen of Armenia, pled guilty last week before Chief United States District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood to his role in a health care fraud and money laundering conspiracy involving false claims submitted to Medicare by phony medical businesses in the Savannah, Georgia area.

September 25, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Illinois

Nine Defendants, Including Two Owners of a Home Health Care Agency and Two Physicians, Indicted For Allegedly Paying and Receiving Kickbacks for Medicare Patient Referrals CHICAGO - Two owners of a home health care agency in suburban Skokie and two physicians were among nine defendants indicted on federal charges for paying and receiving kickbacks in exchange for the referral of Medicare patients for home health care services, federal law enforcement officials announced today.

September 25, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Virginia

Alexandria Dentist Sentenced to 46 Months for Multi-Million Dollar Health Care Fraud ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Tuan Vu, 43, of Arlington, Va., was sentenced today to 46 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for defrauding more than 50 private dental insurance providers of more than $2 million. He was also ordered to pay a $250,000 fine and $2,021,141 in restitution.

September 24, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Nevada

Las Vegas Cancer Doctor Agrees To Pay U.S. Department Of Justice $486,000 To Resolve Medicare Fraud Allegations LAS VEGAS - A Las Vegas physician who specializes in radiation oncology has entered into a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve civil allegations of health care fraud to the Medicare program, announced Daniel G. Bogden, United States Attorney for the District of Nevada.

September 21, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of Texas

Three Arrested in San Antonio Health Care Fraud Investigation In San Antonio today, federal and state authorities arrested 38-year-old Andey Gray, of San Antonio, owner of Crown Consulting and Billing, as well as 54-year-old Michael Farris and 47-year-old Sherry Trouten, of Castroville, Texas, directors of Tejas Ambulance, Inc. (Tejas) in connection with an estimated $2.5 million fraudulent Medicare and Medicaid billing scheme, announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman, FBI San Antonio Division Special Agent in Charge, Armando Fernandez, HHS-OIG Dallas Regional Office Special Agent in Charge Mike Fields, and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.

September 21, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Middle District of Louisiana

Baton Rouge Couple Sentenced To Prison For Health Care Fraud BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Donald J. Cazayoux, Jr. announced that Helen Faye Stewart, age 43, and Henry Ray Stewart, age 47, both of Plaquemine, Louisiana, were sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady as a result of a health care fraud scheme perpetrated in the Baton Rouge area. Helen Stewart was sentenced to thirty-six (36) months in federal prison and Henry Stewart was sentenced to forty-six (46) months in federal prison.

September 21, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of Texas

Three Arrested in San Antonio Health Care Fraud Investigation In San Antonio today, federal and state authorities arrested 38-year-old Andey Gray, of San Antonio, owner of Crown Consulting and Billing, as well as 54-year-old Michael Farris and 47-year-old Sherry Trouten, of Castroville, Texas, directors of Tejas Ambulance, Inc. (Tejas) in connection with an estimated $2.5 million fraudulent Medicare and Medicaid billing scheme, announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman, FBI San Antonio Division Special Agent in Charge, Armando Fernandez, HHS-OIG Dallas Regional Office Special Agent in Charge Mike Fields, and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.

September 21, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Medicare Recruiter to Spend Three Years in Prison HOUSTON - Gwendolyn Kay Frank, 43, of Houston, has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for her role in a massive health care fraud conspiracy that billed the Medicare and Medicaid programs for more than $45 million over a 2 ½ -year period, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

September 21, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Missouri

Local Podiatrist Pleads Guilty To Medicare Fraud Charges St. Louis, MO - Dr. John M. Dailey pled guilty to three counts of making false statements to the Medicare program about services he did not actually provide to three patients. Dr. Dailey practiced podiatry at an office in Washington, Missouri.

September 21, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Illinois

Jefferson County Dentist Guilty of Health Care Fraud and Illegal Distribution of Controlled Substances Walter L. Dawkins, D.M.D., 60, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, pled guilty today in federal court in Benton, Illinois, to health care program fraud committed against Medicaid and to illegal distribution of the Schedule III controlled substance Hydrocodone, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced.

September 20, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Five Individuals Charged in Detroit for Alleged Roles in $24.7 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - Five individuals were charged in court documents unsealed today in the Eastern District of Michigan for their participation in a Medicare fraud scheme involving purported home health and psychotherapy services, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

September 20, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Detroit-Area Doctor Charged for Role in Alleged $40 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Detroit-area doctor was charged and arrested today in the Eastern District of Michigan for his alleged leading role in a $40 million Medicare fraud scheme involving physician home visits and home health services, announced the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the FBI and the HHS-Office of Inspector General (OIG). In addition to the arrest, law enforcement agents executed search warrants at three locations and seizure warrants for three bank accounts related to the scheme.

September 20, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of New Jersey

Fifth New Jersey Health Care Practitioner Pleads Guilty In Cash-For-Patients Scheme NEWARK, N.J. - Dinesh Patel, a New Jersey doctor practicing in Newark, pleaded guilty today to participating in a cash-for-patients scheme with a diagnostic facility in Orange, N.J., and agreed to pay back thousands of dollars in bribe money he received in the past two years, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

September 19, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Hospital Chain HCA Inc. Pays $16.5 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Regarding Chattanooga, Tenn., Hospital HCA Inc., one of the nation's largest for-profit hospital chains, has agreed to pay the United States and the state of Tennessee $16.5 million to settle claims that it violated the False Claims Act and the Stark Statute, the Department of Justice announced today.

September 19, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Georgia

Leading Oncology Practice to Pay $4.1 Million to Settle False Claims Act Investigation ATLANTA, GA - The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced today that it has reached a settlement with Georgia Cancer Specialists I, PC, which agreed to pay $4.1 million to settle claims that it violated the False Claims Act by billing Medicare for evaluation and management services that were not permitted by Medicare rules. Georgia Cancer Specialists is one of the largest private oncology practices in the country with 27 offices located throughout the Atlanta metro area.

September 19, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Phone Psychiatrist Sentenced To Six Years in Prison for Defrauding Patients, Doctors, and Insurance Companies PHILADELPHIA - Jo Benoit, a.k.a. Elissa Jo Benoit, 77, of King of Prussia, PA, was sentenced today to 72 months in prison for a health care fraud scheme that included posing as a psychiatrist when she was not one and writing prescriptions for people who suffered from serious mental health issues, including bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, and other serious conditions.

September 18, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of Louisiana

Former Owner of Rest Assure Home Medical Equipment Pleads Guilty In Federal Court to Health Care Fraud Charges LAFAYETTE, La.: United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that the former owner of Rest Assure Home Medical Equipment, located in Rayne, La., made an appearance in federal court and pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud related to her obtaining $175,923.83 in Medicare reimbursements to which she was not entitled.

September 18, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Illinois

Fugitive for 13 Years Pleads Guilty - Dr. Juan Rios Admits Engaging in Fraud Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on September 18, 2012, Dr. Juan Rios, 65, who was extradited from Peru, pled guilty in federal district court to one count of health care fraud, three counts of mail fraud, and one count of failure to appear. Rios was first indicted in December 1999.

September 18, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Virginia

Provider of Home Health Care Services Pleads Guilty to $630,000 Medicaid Fraud NORFOLK, Va. - Janice W. Holland, 42, of Suffolk, Va., pleaded guilty today in Norfolk federal court to health care fraud, alteration of records and aggravated identity theft. Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli made the announcement after Holland's plea was accepted by United States District Senior Judge Robert G. Doumar.

September 18, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Los Angeles Physician Assistant Sentenced to 72 Months in Prison for Role in $18.9 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Los Angeles physician assistant who stole the identities of doctors to write medically unnecessary prescriptions for expensive durable medical equipment (DME) and diagnostic tests was sentenced today to serve 72 months in prison in connection with a $18.9 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, FBI and U.S. Department Health and Human Services.

September 18, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Indiana

Bloomington Man Sentenced for Health Fraud, Drug Distribution Charges INDIANAPOLIS - The United States Attorney's Office announced that Kamal Tiwari, age 60, of Bloomington, was sentenced this morning to 42 months (3 years, 6 months) in federal prison by District Court Judge Sarah Evans Barker. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,299,866.54. This follows Tiwari's admission of guilt to charges of health care fraud and unlawful drug distribution in March of this year.

September 14, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of South Dakota

Winner Man Sentenced on Failure to Register Charge U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Winner man charged in two separate cases was sentenced on September 11, 2012, on his convictions of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender and Failure to Pay Legal Child Support Obligations. Burton W. King, age 52, appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange and was sentenced to 15 months in custody, 7 years of supervised release, restitution of $50,575.36, and a $110 special assessment. He pled guilty to both counts on July 3, 2012.

September 14, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Michigan

Metro Detroit Doctor Indicted An indictment was unsealed today charging Dr. Mikhayl Soliman, 59, of Plymouth, Michigan with Medicare fraud and distribution of prescription drugs, United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced today.

September 13, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Virginia

Richmond Woman Sentenced To More Than 11 Years For Health Care Fraud And Filing False Tax Return RICHMOND, Va. - Veronica Sharon Cunningham, 49, of Richmond, Va., was sentenced today to 135 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for fraudulently billing insurance companies and the Medicare and Medicaid programs for services not actually administered. She was ordered to pay $6,678,525 in restitution to Medicare, Medicaid, and various private insurance companies and $473,460 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service for filing a false tax return.

September 13, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Texas

Federal Grand Jury Indicts Owners/Operators of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Companies in Health Care Fraud Conspiracy DALLAS - Stanley Thaw, 70, and his wife, Kernell Thaw, 49, both of Frisco, Texas, and Michael Kincaid, 55, of Plano, Texas, have been charged in an indictment, unsealed late yesterday, on charges including conspiracy, health care fraud, making false statements to a financial institution and engaging in illegal monetary transactions with fraud proceeds, announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Salda�a of the Northern District of Texas.

September 13, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Four Individuals Charged in Detroit for Alleged Roles in Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - Four individuals were charged in court documents unsealed today in the Eastern District of Michigan for their participation in a Medicare fraud scheme involving home health services, announced the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the FBI, and the HHS Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).

September 13, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of North Carolina

Shelby Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Medicaid of $6.1 Million CHARLOTTE, NC-A Shelby woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today for her involvement in a health care fraud scheme that defrauded Medicaid of at least $6.1 million for sham mental and behavioral health services, announced Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

September 12, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Central District of California

Los Angeles Doctor Convicted of Health Care Fraud for Submitting to Medicare about $1 Million in Bills for Tests Never Performed LOS ANGELES - A doctor already serving a lengthy prison sentence in a narcotics case has been convicted of health care fraud for submitting approximately $1 million in fraudulent bills to Medicare in just seven months.

September 12, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Edinburg Woman Sentenced for Mail Fraud McALLEN, Texas - An Edinburg, Texas, resident has been sentenced to 33 months in federal custody in connection with a mail fraud scheme she developed in the McAllen area, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. San Juana Aidee Lopez, 60, pleaded guilty June 29, 2102, to two counts of mail fraud in connection with her employment as an insurance agent.

September 11, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Louisiana Resident Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Role in Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A patient recruiter for several Louisiana durable medical equipment (DME) companies was sentenced today to serve 18 months in prison for her role in a Medicare fraud scheme involving fraudulent claims and illegal kickback payments for unnecessary DME, announced the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services, the FBI and the Louisiana State Attorney General's Office.

September 6, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

United States Intervenes in False Claims Act Lawsuit Against Orlando, Florida-area Hospice The government has intervened in a whistleblower lawsuit against Hospice of the Comforter Inc. (HOTCI) alleging false Medicare billings, the Justice Department announced today. HOTCI provides hospice services to patients residing in the vicinity of Orlando, Fla.

September 6, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Connecticut

Danielson Pharmacist Who Illegally Dispensed Prescription Drugs Is Sentenced David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Daniel Fiore, 60, of Brooklyn, Conn., was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to two years of probation and a fine of $20,000 for unlawfully dispensing controlled substances. FIORE must serve the first six months of his probation in home confinement under electronic monitoring by the United States Probation Office.

September 5, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of New York

The United States and NY Downtown Hospital Settle Civil Fraud Claims for $13.4 Million Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, today announced the settlement of claims that New York Downtown Hospital ("NY Downtown") defrauded the Medicare and Medicaid Programs in connection with an inpatient detoxification program which the hospital operated during the period July 21, 1998 through February 14, 2006. Pursuant to the settlement, NY Downtown has agreed to pay the United States and the State of New York $13.4 million.

September 5, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Alabama

Medical Supply Company Agrees to Pay $1.8 million to Settle Claims of Fraudulent Medicare Billing BIRMINGHAM - A Mississippi medical equipment and supply company will pay about $1.8 million to settle claims that it improperly billed Medicare, U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance announced.

September 5, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Illinois

Chicago Area Surgeon Sentenced To 10 Months in Custody for Making False Statements about Services and Medicare Benefits CHICAGO - A Chicago area vascular and thoracic surgeon was sentenced today to 10 months in federal custody after being convicted at trial of making false statements in post-operation reports relating to health care services and Medicare benefits. The defendant, DR. JOHN NATALE, was found guilty following a week-long trial in May of two counts of making false statements by a jury that also acquitted him of two counts of health care fraud and one count of mail fraud for allegedly defrauding Medicare.

August 2012

August 31, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Middle District of Pennsylvania

Mechanicsburg Doctor and Owner of Two Medical Facilities Charged with Healthcare Fraud and Money Laundering The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Mechanicsburg doctor who owns two Central Pennsylvania medical facilities was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg on charges of healthcare fraud and money laundering.

August 30, 2012; U. S. Attorney; Eastern District of Texas

Houston Man Sentenced for Role in Multi-State Health Care Fraud Scheme BEAUMONT, Texas - A 52-year-old Houston man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a health care fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

August 30, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of New York

Individual Charged With Defrauding Medicare And Medicaid Of More Than $30 Million A criminal complaint was unsealed this morning in Brooklyn federal court charging Ting Huan Tai, also known as "Warren Tai," the operator of United Medical Diagnosis, P.C. ("UMD"), based in Flushing, New York, with healthcare fraud in connection with his submission of more than $30 million in false Medicare and Medicaid billings.

August 30, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Illinois

Home Health Care Administrator Sentenced To 20 Months in Federal Prison for Health Care Fraud and Kickback Scheme ROCKFORD - An Elmhurst, Ill., woman was sentenced today in federal court to 20 months in federal prison on her conviction for health care fraud and a kickback scheme. Merigrace Orillo, 45, co-owned and operated Chalice Home Healthcare Services, Inc., with her husband Virgilio Orillo. Chalice had offices in Chicago, Freeport, and Morris, Illinois.

August 30, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of New York

Durable Medical Equipment Supplier Pleads Guilty To Defrauding Medicare and Medicaid of More Than $1 Million Igor Pokrasov, the Chief Executive Officer of Comfy Orthopedic Footwear, Inc., located in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, pleaded guilty today to a health care fraud conspiracy charge for falsely billing Medicare and Medicaid for unauthorized services and products.

August 29, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Florida

President of Miami Medical Clinic Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud Charges Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Christopher B. Dennis, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), announce that defendant Arbilio Yanes pled guilty today to Medicare fraud and related offenses before U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga.

August 29, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Tennessee

Former Physical Therapy Assistant Pleads Guilty To Health Care Fraud KNOXVILLE, Tenn.-Patricia J. Boshears, 48, formerly of Knoxville, Tenn., and current resident of Monticello, Ky., pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to engaging in a scheme to defraud Medicare by falsely billing for physical therapy services that were not performed or supervised by a licensed physical therapist. Boshears previously owned and operated Total Rehab, Inc., and worked there as a physical therapy assistant.

August 28, 2012; U. S. Department of Justice

Detroit-Area Resident Pleads Guilty in $13.8 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Detroit-area resident pleaded guilty today in federal court in the Eastern District of Michigan for his role in managing a $13.8 million psychotherapy fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the FBI.

August 28, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Middle District of Florida

Former Owner of Daytona Beach Clinic Pleads Guilty To Fraud, Conspiracy, and Money Laundering Orlando, FL - United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces that Joseph Wagner (62, Daytona Beach) today pleaded guilty to health care fraud, conspiracy to illegally distribute prescription drugs, and money laundering. Wagner faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. He was indicted on June 13, 2012.

August 27, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Connecticut

Father Who Failed To Pay Child Support Sentenced To Federal Prison David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that WILLIAM ANTHONY ROBSON, also known as Rick Albrecht, 53, was sentenced on Friday, August 24, by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in Bridgeport to six months of imprisonment, followed by six months home confinement and one year of supervised release, for failing to pay child support for nearly two decades. ROBSON also was ordered to pay restitution of more than $147,000.

August 24, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Eight Individuals and a Corporation Convicted at Trial in Florida in $50 Million Medicare Fraud WASHINGTON - Eight individuals and a Miami-based corporation were convicted by a federal jury for their participation in a Medicare fraud scheme involving the submission of more than $50 million in fraudulent billings to Medicare, the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services announced today.

August 24, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Pacific Health Corporation and Related Entities Agree to Pay $16.5 Million for Allegedly Engaging in an Illegal Kickback Scheme in Los Angeles WASHINGTON - The United States has entered into a settlement agreement with Pacific Health Corporation and related entities in which they agreed to pay the government and the state of California $16.5 million for allegedly engaging in an illegal kickback scheme in Los Angeles, the Justice Department announced today. The civil settlement resolves a U.S. and state investigation of three PHC-affiliated hospitals for engaging in a scheme in which the hospitals paid recruiters to deliver homeless Medicare or Medi-Cal beneficiaries (homeless beneficiaries) by ambulance from the "Skid Row" area in Los Angeles to the hospitals for treatment that often was medically unnecessary.

August 24, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Florida

Two Home Health Care Nurses Convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud and
Health Care Fraud Wifredo Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Michael B. Steinbach, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Christopher Dennis, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), announce that a federal jury in Miami found Odalys Fernandez, of Miami, Florida, and Kelvin Soto, of Hialeah, Florida, guilty of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and health care fraud charges following a one week trial before U.S. District Judge Ursula Ungaro.

August 23, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Central District of California

Long Beach-Based Health Plan Pays Nearly $320 Million to Settle Allegations that it Received Overpayments for Medi-Cal Patients LOS ANGELES - In the largest recovery ever obtained from a single Medi-Cal provider, a Long Beach-based managed care health plan has paid $319.85 million to resolve allegations that it received overpayments from Medi-Cal.

August 23, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Tennessee

United States Reaches Settlement with Memorial Health Care System CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - The United States has reached a settlement with Memorial Health Care System, Inc. (Memorial), the nonprofit corporation that operates Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, Tenn., and Memorial Hixson Hospital (formerly known as Memorial North Park Hospital) in Hixson, Tenn. As part of the settlement, Memorial agreed to pay $1,278,579 to settle alleged violations of the federal False Claims Act and other federal laws and regulations.

August 23, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Massachusetts

Two Holyoke Residents Plead Guilty to Health Care Fraud Springfield - Two Holyoke residents pleaded guilty yesterday to charges of conspiracy to defraud MassHealth by billing for personal care attendant services that were never provided. A third Holyoke resident is scheduled to enter her guilty plea Monday.

August 22, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Detroit-Area Resident Pleads Guilty to Participating in $3.1 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON-A Detroit-area social worker pleaded guilty for his role in a $3.1 million Medicare fraud scheme, the Justice Department, FBI, and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today.

August 22, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of North Carolina

Charlotte Woman Arrested For $650,000 Medicaid Fraud Scheme CHARLOTTE, N.C. - A Charlotte woman charged with defrauding Medicaid of at least $650,000 was arrested in Goldsboro, N.C. today, announced Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

August 22, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Kansas

Former Nonprofit Executive Charged With Health Care Fraud TOPEKA, KAN. - A former executive with a Topeka-based nonprofit corporation has been charged with scheming to steal more than $2 million in Medicaid funds, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

August 21, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Medical Equipment Company Owner Sentenced in Louisiana to 180 Months in Prison for Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - The owner of multiple durable medical equipment companies that operated in Louisiana was sentenced today to serve 180 months in prison for his role in multiple Medicare fraud schemes involving fraudulent claims and illegal kickback payments for unnecessary DME, announced the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services, the FBI and the Louisiana State Attorney General's Office.

August 21, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Florida Assisted Living Facility Owner Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - The owner of a Miami-area assisted living facility was sentenced today to serve 30 months in prison for his role in a kickback scheme that funneled patients to a fraudulent mental health provider, American Therapeutic Corporation, the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services announced today.

August 21, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Middle District of Louisiana

New Orleans Resident Convicted Of Health Care Fraud and Conspiracy to Pay and Receive Illegal Remunerations BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Donald J. Cazayoux, Jr. announced today that a Federal Jury on Tuesday, August 21, 2012, convicted SANDRA PARKMAN THOMPSON, 57, of New Orleans, Louisiana, of health care fraud and conspiracy to pay and receive illegal remunerations.

August 20, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Houston Doctor Arrested on Charges of Health Care Fraud HOUSTON - Dr. Emmanuel Nwora, 48, of Houston, has been arrested following the return of a sealed indictment alleging health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

August 17, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Mississippi

Mississippi Doctor Sentenced To 168 Months in Prison for Health Care Fraud Jackson, Miss. - Cassandra Faye Thomas, of Jackson, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to serve 168 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for health care fraud, wire fraud, making false statements related to health care, theft of government funds and conspiracy to commit health care fraud, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen announced.

August 17, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Kentucky

Local and Out of State Pain Clinic Owners and Doctors Charged in Prescription Drug Conspiracies PIKEVILLE-Between today and late Thursday afternoon, five indictments have been unsealed charging 22 defendants, including five pain clinic owners and six doctors, with offenses related to prescription drugs, money laundering, and health care fraud.

August 16, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Idaho

Caldwell Optometrist Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Health Care Benefit Programs as Parties Agree to $1 Million in Restitution BOISE - Christopher Card, 59, of Caldwell, Idaho, pled guilty in United States District Court today to a superseding information charging him with one count of executing a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.

August 16, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of Missouri

Psychologist Pleads Guilty To $1 Million Health Care Fraud KANSAS CITY, Mo. - David M. Ketchmark, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a psychologist practicing in the Lebanon, Mo., area pleaded guilty in federal court today to engaging in a $1 million scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid.

August 15, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Texas

Amarillo Orthodontist Indicted in State and Federal Probe of $2 Million Medicaid Fraud Scheme Amarillo - Dr. Michael David Goodwin, 63, an orthodontist who practices in Amarillo, Texas, and Crown Point, Indiana, has been charged in a federal indictment with 11 counts of health care fraud, alleging that he defrauded the Texas Medicaid program of approximately $1.5 million, announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.

August 15, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of New York

Long Island Medical Supplier Convicted of $10.7 Million Medicare Fraud A federal jury in Central Islip today convicted the owner of a Long Island medical supply company of a $10.7 million Medicare fraud and wrongful disclosure of private patient information.

August 14, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Owner of Miami Home Health Company Pleads Guilty in $60 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme The owner of a Miami health care agency pleaded guilty today for his participation in a $60 million home health Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

August 14, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Prominent Houston Radiologist Settles False Claims Act Allegations HOUSTON - Dr. Jack L. Baker, a prominent Houston radiologist, has agreed to pay the United States $650,000 to settle claims that he violated the False Claims Act, the Anti-Kickback Statute, the Stark Statute and the Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act between 2002 and 2010, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. The allegations included paying illegal compensation to doctors to induce them to refer patients to Fairmont Diagnostic Center and Open MRI Inc., an imaging center he owned and operated.

August 13, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Miami-Area Patient Broker Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Role in $200 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Miami-area patient broker was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for recruiting Medicare beneficiaries as part of a $200 million Medicare fraud scheme, the Department of Justice, FBI and Department of Health and Human Services announced.

August 13, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Georgia

Former Nursing Home Operator Sentenced to Prison for 20 Years for Health Care Fraud and Tax Fraud ROME, GA-George D. Houser, 64, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Harold L. Murphy to serve 20 years in federal prison on charges of conspiring with his wife to defraud the Medicare and Georgia Medicaid programs by billing them for "worthless services" in the operation of three nursing homes. Medicare and Medicaid paid Houser more than $32.9 million between July 2004 and September 2007 for food, medical care, and other services for nursing home residents. This is the first time that a defendant has been convicted after a trial in federal court for submitting claims for payment for worthless services.

August 13, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Illinois

Three Nurses, Including Two Owners Of A Home Health Care Agency, And The Company Among Six Defendants Indicted In Alleged Conspiracy Involving Kickbacks For Medicare Patients CHICAGO-A home health care agency in suburban Lincolnwood, two nurses who are part owners of the company, a third nurse affiliated with them, and two marketers were indicted on federal charges for allegedly participating in a conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks in exchange for the referral of Medicare patients for home health care services, federal law enforcement officials announced today.

August 10, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Tennessee-Based Home Health Care Provider & Related Entities Agree to Pay More Than $9 M to Resolve False Claims Act Lawsuit James W. Carell, CareAll Management LLC (formerly known as Diversified Health Management Inc.), C are All Inc., the James W. Car ell Family Trust, V IP Home Nursing and Rehabilitation Services L LC, Professional Home Health Care L LC, University Home Health, LLC and Elizabeth Vining (as representative of the Estate of Robert Vining) have agreed to pay $9.375 million to the federal government. This payment is to resolve the lawsuit that the United States filed in 2009 alleging that they violated the False Claims Act, caused Medicare to pay out money through mistake of fact, and were unjustly enriched by falsely concealing the home health agencies' relationship with their management company, the Justice Department announced today.

August 10, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Michigan

Canton Resident Convicted in Health Care Fraud Scheme A Canton pharmacist and pharmacy owner, along with five other associates, were found guilty today by a federal jury on 26 counts of an indictment charging him with conspiracy, health care fraud, and controlled substance distribution, United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced today.

August 9, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Connecticut

Wallingford Man Involved In Prescription Narcotics Scheme Sentenced To Seven Years In
Federal Prison David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Jonathan Cosgrove, 27, of Wallingford, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to obtain and distribute oxycodone through the use of fraudulent prescriptions.

August 8, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Colorado

Former Husband and Wife Sentenced For Fraudulent Healthcare Billing Scheme DENVER - Leonid and Yelena Stolyar, both age 51, and both of Denver, Colorado, were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip A. Brimmer to serve 35 months and 37 months, respectively, in federal prison for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering, federal and state authorities announced.

August 7, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Middle District of Pennsylvania

Monroeton Woman Agrees to Plead Guilty to Embezzling $100,246 from Martha Lloyd
Community Services The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the filing of a plea agreement and a one-count Criminal Information Monday in U.S. District Court in Williamsport charging Joanne Beers, 56, of Monroeton, Pennsylvania with theft and embezzlement of $100,246.48 from Martha Lloyd Community Services, a non-profit health care provider in Troy, Pennsylvania.

August 7, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

United States Joins Lawsuit against San Francisco Area's North East Medical Services The United States has joined a whistleblower action pending in the Northern District of California against the federally-qualified health center (FQHC), North East Medical Services (NEMS), alleging that the center under-reported income it received from a managed care organization in order to artificially inflate reimbursements it received from the California Medicaid program, the Justice Department announced today. North East serves the San Francisco Bay area.

August 6, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Columbia

Owners of Medical Equipment Company Plead Guilty To Federal Charge of Health Care Fraud WASHINGTON - Jacob Rafi, 54, the owner and president of DC Medical Supply, Inc., and his wife, Rena Rafi, 49, the company's managing director, have pled guilty to health care fraud in connection with the firm's fraudulent billing practices.

August 6, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

7th Defendant Convicted in Multi-Million Dollar Health Care Fraud Scheme HOUSTON - Tony Nnonso Obi, 56, a naturalized U.S. citizen from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has entered a plea of guilty for his role in a massive health care fraud conspiracy that billed the Medicare and Medicaid programs for more than $45 million, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

August 3, 2012; U.S. Attorney Eastern District of Virginia

Owner of Chantilly Pain Clinic Convicted of Drug Trafficking, Fraud Charges ALEXANDRIA, VA-Paul Boccone, 56, was convicted of conspiring to distribute and distribution of oxycodone, health care fraud, and payroll tax evasion for his role as the owner and president of Chantilly Specialists pain clinic in Chantilly, Virginia. Charles Brown, Jr., 51, a nurse practitioner with Chantilly Specialists, was convicted of conspiring to distribute and distribution of oxycodone.

August 2, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Miami Home Health Care Agency Owner Pleads Guilty in $42 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme The owner and operator of a Miami health care agency pleaded guilty today for his participation in a $42 million home health Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

August 2, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Detroit-Area Adult Day Care Center Owner Pleads Guilty to $10 Million Psychotherapy Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Detroit-area adult day care center owner pleaded guilty today for her role in a $10 million psychotherapy fraud scheme, announced the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services and the FBI.

August 2, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Doctor Charged In Kickback Scheme Involving a Philadelphia Hospice PHILADELPHIA - Eugene Goldman M.D., 54, of Huntingdon Valley, Pa., was charged in an alleged kickback scheme arising from his employment as a medical director at Home Care Hospice Inc. (HCH), a hospice care provider in Philadelphia, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division and United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. Goldman was arrested this morning by agents with FBI and Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

August 2, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Minnesota

Mayo Clinic Agrees To Pay $1 Million To Settle Claims In Federal Lawsuit MINNEAPOLIS-Earlier today, the Mayo Clinic and three related Mayo entities agreed to a $1.26-million settlement in a federal government lawsuit alleging that Mayo submitted false claims for payment to the government, including the Medicare and Medicaid programs, for surgical pathology services Mayo did not provide.

August 1, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Ambulance Company and Owners Charged in $2.5 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme PHILADELPHIA - An indictment was unsealed today charging MedEx Ambulance, Inc., located in Feasterville, PA, and its owners, Aleksandr N. Zagrodony and Sergey Zagorodny, with a total of 41 counts involving health care fraud, false statements in connection with health care matters, wire fraud, and conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.

August 1, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

DME Owner Indicted for Health Care Fraud HOUSTON - Abdul Waheed Alex Shittu, 54, a naturalized United States citizen from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has been charged in a 21-count indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

July 2012

July 26, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Owners and Employees of Houston Mental Health Company and Patient Recruiters Charged for Alleged Roles in $97 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme A superseding indictment was unsealed today charging two owners of a Houston mental health care company, Spectrum Care P.A., some of its employees and the owners of Houston group care homes for their alleged participation in a $97 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the FBI.

July 26, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Detroit-Area Health Care Clinic Manager Sentenced To Serve 40 Months In Prison For Role In $8.5 Million Diagnostic Testing Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - The manager of a Detroit-area health care clinic was sentenced today to serve 40 months in prison for his leading role in a $7.42 million Medicare fraud scheme, the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services (HHS) announced.

July 26, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of New York

Yonkers Cardiologist Charged With Illegal Distribution of Oxycodone in White Plains Federal Court Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Janice K. Fedarcyk, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"), Wilbert Plummer, the Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration ("DEA"), and Tom O'Donnell, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Region for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service Office of Inspector General ("HHS-OIG"), announced the arrest last night of ROHAN WIJETILAKA, a Yonkers cardiologist, for illegally distributing and dispensing Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance. WIJETILAKA was presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge George A. Yanthis in White Plains federal court.

July 26, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of New York

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Settles Civil Fraud Lawsuit against Union Welfare Fund for Illegally Inflating Insurance Premiums Paid For With Head Start Funds Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that the United States has filed and simultaneously settled a civil fraud lawsuit alleging that DISTRICT Council 1707, Local 95 Head Start Employees Welfare Fund (the "Fund") violated the False Claims Act and common law when it charged a Head Start grantee higher rates for hospital insurance premiums than it had originally paid for the premiums. As part of the settlement, the Fund admitted, acknowledged, and accepted responsibility for charging more for the insurance premiums than it paid, and agreed to pay the Government approximately $5 million. The settlement was approved today by U.S. District Judge William H. Pauley III.

July 25, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of California

Doctor and Owner of Medical Supply Company Charged in $1.3 Million Power Wheelchair Scam United States Attorney Laura E. Duffy announced that a medical doctor and an owner of a medical supply company were charged with submitting $1.3 million in fraudulent power wheelchair claims to Medicare. Dr. Irving Schwartz was arrested by federal agents on Tuesday in Yuba City, California, and arraigned on one count of conspiracy to receive health care kickbacks and defraud the Medicare trust fund. Jose Melendez, owner and operator of Oceanside Medical Services, was arrested on Wednesday in Long Beach, California, and arraigned on charges of conspiracy, witness tampering, and health care fraud.

July 25, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Co-Owners of Houston-Area Durable Medical Equipment Company Sentenced to Prison for Role in $1.18 Million Medicare Fraud WASHINGTON - The former co-owners of a Houston-area durable medical equipment (DME) company were sentenced today in Houston to each serve 87 months in prison for their participation in a $1.18 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

July 25, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Connecticut

Madison Woman Admits Making False Statements about Use of Federal Funds David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AMY KUHNER, 55, formerly of Madison, waived her right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to one count of making false statements about her use of federal funds.

July 24, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Detroit-Area Health Care Clinic Owner Sentenced to Serve 60 Months in Prison for Role in $8.5 Million Diagnostic Testing Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - The owner of a Detroit-area health care clinic was sentenced today to serve 60 months in prison for his leading role in an $8.5 million Medicare fraud scheme, the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services announced.

July 24, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of Missouri

Former Bolivar Clinic Physician Indicted For Illegally Dispensing Narcotics, Health Care Fraud SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - David M. Ketchmark, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced a former physician at a Bolivar, Mo., health clinic was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally distributing prescription drugs and for health care fraud.

July 19, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Massachusetts

Rhode Island Physician's Assistant Sentenced to 12 Months for Taking Kickbacks from Medical Device Company BOSTON - A Rhode Island man was sentenced today in federal court for taking kickbacks. Michael Cobb, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge George A. O'Toole to one year incarceration (six months in prison, six months home confinement), to be followed by two years of supervised release and a $3,000 fine. Cobb was also ordered to forfeit $10,000 of proceeds from the offense to the federal government. Cobb pleaded guilty to violating the Anti-Kickback law on April 19, 2012.

July 19, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of South Dakota

Rosebud Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft from Indian Tribal Organization United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Tanya Walking Eagle, age 39, of Rosebud, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on July 18, 2012, and pled guilty to Theft from Indian Tribal Organization. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

July 19, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Michigan Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with Detroit-Area Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Michigan resident pleaded guilty today for his role in a $13.8 million Detroit-area home health care fraud scheme, announced the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services.

July 17, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Texas

Physician Assistant Pleads Guilty to Role in Health Care Fraud Conspiracy Dallas - Cal Graves, 31, who worked as a physician assistant at the South Dallas Community Medical Center, pleaded guilty this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Renée Harris Toliver to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas. Graves faces a maximum statutory sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and restitution. Sentencing is set for October 31, 2012, before U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade.

July 17, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Georgia

Altus Healthcare & Hospice Settles Allegations of Inappropriate Use of Inpatient Hospice ATLANTA-Altus Healthcare & Hospice Inc., n/k/a AHH Historic Inc., of Atlanta, Georgia, has reached a $555,572 settlement with the United States to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act that it submitted false or fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid for inpatient hospice services, United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates for the Northern District of Georgia announced today. Altus was acquired by Halcyon Healthcare in December 2011.

July 17, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of New York

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Charges against 48 Individuals in Massive Medicaid Fraud Scheme Involving the Diversion and Trafficking Of Prescription Drugs Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Janice K. Fedarcyk, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Raymond W. Kelly, the Police Commissioner of the City of New York, and Robert Doar, the Commissioner of the New York City Human Resources Administration, announced today the unsealing of charges against 48 defendants for their participation in a massive fraud scheme involving the unlawful diversion and trafficking of hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of prescription drugs that had previously been dispensed to Medicaid recipients in the New York City area ("second-hand" drugs), in a national, underground market.

July 16, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Rehabilitation Agency Owner in Detroit Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Role in $3 Million Therapy Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - The owner of a Detroit-area rehabilitation agency was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for his leading role in a $3 million Medicare fraud scheme, the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services (HHS) announced.

July 13, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Mississippi

Summit Oncologist, Madison Biller Plead Guilty to Health Care Fraud JACKSON, MS-Dr. Meera Sachdeva, 50, of Summit, Mississippi, and Monica Weeks, 40, of Madison, Mississippi, each pled guilty today to charges of Medicare fraud, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen, and Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood announced.

July 13, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Columbia

Maryland Woman Convicted of Health Care Fraud, Other Charges for Defrauding D.C. Medicaid Program by Submitting Over $7 Million in Phony Claims WASHINGTON-Jacqueline Wheeler, 54, the chief executive officer and owner of two health care companies, was convicted today by a federal jury in the District of Columbia of one count of health care fraud and 34 counts of false statements for submitting more than $7 million in fraudulent claims to the D.C. Medicaid program.

July 13, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of South Dakota

Rosebud Man Pleads Guilty to Theft from Indian Tribal Organization United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Nathan Janis, age 32, of Rosebud, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on July 12, 2012, and pled guilty to Theft from Indian Tribal Organization. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

July 13, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of South Dakota

Rosebud Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft from Indian Tribal Organization Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Barbara Duysak, a/k/a Barbara McCloskey, age 39, of Rosebud, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on July 12, 2012, and pled guilty to Theft from Indian Tribal Organization. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

July 13, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of South Dakota

Astoria Man Sentenced for Failure to Pay Legal Child Support US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Astoria, South Dakota, man charged with Failure to Pay Legal Child Support was sentenced on July 9. 2012, by US District Judge Charles B. Kornmann. John D. Fuller, age 48, was sentenced to five years of unsupervised probation, a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund, and child support restitution in the amount of $66,712.00.

July 12, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of California

Second Physician Sentenced To More Than Six Years In Federal Prison For Role In Massive Medicare Fraud Scam SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Lana Le Chabrier, 64, of Santa Barbara, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. to six and a half years in prison for conspiring to commit health care fraud. She was found guilty by a jury on July 8, 2011.

July 12, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Illinois

Chicago Physician Sentenced To 30 Months In Prison For Health Care Fraud Involving Unnecessary Patient Tests CHICAGO - A physician who operated a south side medical clinic, Dr. Jaswinder Rai Chhibber, was sentenced to 2� years in federal prison for engaging in a health care fraud scheme between 2007 and July 2010, federal law enforcement officials announced today.

July 12, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of North Carolina

Day Treatment Owner Pleads Guilty To Medicaid Fraud Charge NEW BERN - United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker announced that yesterday ANDETRA MICHELLE SAMPSON, 38, of Rowland, North Carolina, pled guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Robert B. Jones, Jr., to conspiring to defraud the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.

July 11, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of New Jersey

Doctor Pleads Guilty In Cash-For-Patients Kickback Scheme NEWARK, N.J. - A New Jersey doctor practicing in Newark admitted today he took kickbacks in connection with a cash-for-patients scheme with a diagnostic facility in Orange, N.J., U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

July 11, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Michigan

Two Charged for Medicare Fraud Schemes in Detroit Involving $8.8 Million in False Billings A federal indictment was unsealed today in Detroit charging two individuals for their participation in a series of separate Medicare fraud schemes involving home health services, United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced.

July 5, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Massachusetts

GlaxoSmithKline Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced to Pay One Billion Dollars in Criminal Fine
and Forfeiture BOSTON - GlaxoSmithKline LLC ("GSK") pled guilty and was sentenced in federal court today for (1) illegal promotion of the anti-depressant drug Paxil with false and misleading statements about the safety of the drug for use in children; (2) illegal off-label promotion of the anti-depressant drug Wellbutrin for weight loss, sexual function, and other uses for which it was not approved; and (3) failure to provide clinical data regarding cardiovascular safety of the diabetes drug Avandia to the Food & Drug Administration in its required periodic reports.

July 3, 2012; U.S. Attorney's Office; District of Puerto Rico

One Individual Charged with Failure to Pay Legal Child Support SAN JUAN, P.R. - On June 20, 2012, a grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Julio A. García-Encarnación, a well-known and highly appraised race horse jockey, with failure to pay legal child support obligations, announced United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The defendant was arrested late last night at the Newark Liberty International Airport by agents of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General.

July 2, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

GlaxoSmithKline to Plead Guilty and Pay $3 Billion to Resolve Fraud Allegations and Failure to Report Safety Data Global health care giant GlaxoSmithKline LLC (GSK) agreed to plead guilty and to pay $3 billion to resolve its criminal and civil liability arising from the company's unlawful promotion of certain prescription drugs, its failure to report certain safety data, and its civil liability for alleged false price reporting practices, the Justice Department announced today. The resolution is the largest health care fraud settlement in U.S. history and the largest payment ever by a drug company.

July 2, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Arizona-based Nextcare Inc. to Pay US $10 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations NextCare Inc., an Arizona-based company, has agreed to pay $10 million to settle federal and state allegations that it submitted false claims, the Justice Department announced today. NextCare is an owner of a chain of urgent care facilities with locations in Arizona, Colorado, Texas, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia.

July 2, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Asheville, North Carolina, Resident Pleads Guilty to Participating in $63 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - An Asheville, N.C., resident pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Miami for her role in a health care fraud scheme that resulted in the submission of more than $63 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid in Miami and Hendersonville, N.C., announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

June 2012

June 29, 2012; U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee

Maury Regional Hospital to Pay $3.59 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Maury Regional Hospital, d/b/a Maury Regional Medical Center, has agreed to pay the United States $3,594,451.90 to settle False Claims Act allegations, announced Jerry E. Martin, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.

June 29, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of California

Napa Doctor Charged With Health Care Fraud, Tax Fraud SAN FRANCISCO - Ali Sedghi Vaziri of Napa, Calif., was charged yesterday by a federal grand jury in San Francisco with nine counts of health care fraud and six counts of filing a false Federal Income Tax Return, United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced.

June 29, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Pennsylvania Man Charged with Fraud in Ambulance Scheme A Churchville, Pa., man was arrested today on charges contained in a 23-count indictment for his alleged role in a scheme to defraud Medicare by billing for fraudulent ambulance services, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Zane D. Memeger.

June 29, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Fourth Defendant Gets 12½ Years in Massive Health Care Fraud Scheme HOUSTON - Kenneth Ibezim Anokam, 57, a naturalized U.S. citizen from the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been handed a 151-month federal prison term for his role in a massive health care fraud conspiracy that billed the Medicare and Medicaid programs for more than $45 million over a 2 �-year period, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

June 28, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Middle District of Georgia

Kenneth B. Beverly Sentenced For Health Care Fraud Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced the sentencing of Kenneth B. Beverly, age 66, of Thomasville, Georgia, on June 28, 2012, in Albany by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia.

June 28, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Iowa

Council Bluffs Area Nursing Home Reaches Settlement Agreement on Allegations of Fraudulent Billing to Medicare for Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Services COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa has entered into a settlement agreement and the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services has entered into a corporate integrity agreement with Bethany Lutheran Homes, Inc., a skilled nursing facility in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to resolve allegations of billing Medicare for medically unnecessary physical, occupational and speech therapy services announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt.

June 28, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

RGV DME Owner and Others Indicted on Multiple Health Care Crimes McALLEN, Texas - The owner of a now defunct McAllen area durable medical equipment (DME) business, his wife and two former employees have been charged in a 22-count indictment for their alleged roles in a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid through fraudulent billings, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announced today.

June 28, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Nigerian Fugitive Returned to Houston to Face Charges in Multi-Million Dollar Health Care Fraud HOUSTON - Godwin Chiedo Nzeocha, 45, a naturalized United States citizen originally from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has been returned to the United States to stand trial in a $45 million health care fraud case, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

June 27, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Illinois

Owners Of Two Chicago Home Health Care Agencies And Three Doctors Among 10 Charged In Alleged Medicare Kickback Schemes CHICAGO - Ten defendants, including the owners of two Chicago home health care companies and three physicians were indicted today for allegedly participating in two separate schemes to pay and receive cash kickbacks in exchange for the referral of Medicare patients for home health care services, federal law enforcement officials announced.

June 27, 2012; U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Florida

Miami-area Resident Pleads Guilty to Participating in $63 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Miami-area resident pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Miami for her role in a health care fraud scheme that resulted in the submission of more than $63 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

June 25, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Houston Man Headed to Federal Prison for Health Care Fraud HOUSTON - Kelvin Washington, 49, of Houston, has been handed a 24-month federal sentence following his convictions of health care fraud, conspiracy and violations of the anti-kickback statute, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. Washington was convicted after six days of trial and three and a half hours of deliberation on Dec. 8, 2011.

June 25, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Middle District of Louisiana

Two Defendants in Baton Rouge, Louisiana Sentenced to Prison for Health Care Fraud BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Donald J. Cazayoux, Jr. announced that EUNICE SPARROW, age 68, and UNIECESCO SMITH, age 30, both of Plaquemine, Louisiana, have been sentenced to prison by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Brian A. Jackson as a result of their roles in a two-year health care fraud scheme.

June 25, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Florida

Owner of Miami-Area Assisted Living Facility Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Role in Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - The owner of a Miami-area assisted living facility was sentenced today to 37 months in prison for her role in a kickback scheme that funneled patients to a fraudulent mental health provider, American Therapeutic Corporation (ATC), the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services announced today.

June 20, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of Oklahoma

Harmon Memorial Hospital and Hollis Physician Pay $1.5 Million To Settle Health Care Fraud Case Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - Sanford C. Coats, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, and Scott E. Pruitt, Oklahoma Attorney General, jointly announce that the Harmon County Healthcare Authority (Harmon Memorial Hospital) and Dr. Akram R. Abraham, of Hollis, Oklahoma, have agreed to pay $1,550,000 to settle claims of health care fraud of the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

June 20, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of Oklahoma

City Dentist Charged with Health Care Fraud Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - ROBIN R. LOCKWOOD, 44, a dentist from Oklahoma City, has been charged with committing health care fraud, announced Sanford C. Coats, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.

June 20, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Detroit-Area Clinic Owner Pleads Guilty to $16 Million Psychotherapy Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - Detroit-area resident Louisa Thompson pleaded guilty today for her role in a $16 million fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

June 20, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Alabama

Ambulance Company Agrees to Pay $5.4 million to Settle Claims of Fraudulent Medicare Billing BIRMINGHAM - A medical transport corporation operating in several states, including Alabama and Kentucky, will pay $5.4 million to settle claims that the company improperly billed Medicare, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance for the Northern District of Alabama, U.S. Attorney David J. Hale for the Western District of Kentucky, and Derrick L. Jackson, special agent in charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General for the Atlanta Region.

June 19, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Owner and Employee of Miami Home Health Company Sentenced to Prison in $22 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - The owner and an employee of a Miami home health care agency were sentenced today to 108 months and 46 months in prison, respectively, for their participation in a $22 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

June 19, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Second Recruiter Convicted in City Nursing Scheme HOUSTON - Gwendolyn Kay Frank, 43, of Houston, has entered a plea of guilty to conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statue for her role in role in the $45 million City Nursing health care scandal, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

June 19, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Middle District of Pennsylvania

Former Central Pennsylvania Podiatrist Indicted on Federal Health Care Fraud Charges The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging a podiatrist who practiced in Harrisburg and Elizabethtown with health care fraud.

June 15, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Central District of California

Rancho Palos Verdes Doctor Agrees to Pay $530,000 to Settle Civil Lawsuit Alleging Home Health Kickback Scheme LOS ANGELES - A Rancho Palos Verdes doctor has agreed to pay $530,000 to resolve allegations that he and his late wife, who managed his medical office, received cash payments and patient referrals in exchange for referring Medicare beneficiaries to GreatCare Home Health, Inc., a now defunct home health agency that was based in the Westlake District of Los Angeles.

June 15, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Brooklyn Doctor Convicted for Role in Medicare and Private Insurance Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Brooklyn board-certified colorectal surgeon, who owned and operated a New York medical clinic, was convicted for his role in a fraud scheme that billed Medicare and numerous private insurance companies for surgeries and other complex medical procedures that were never performed, the Department of Justice, FBI and Department of Health and Human Services announced today.

June 14, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Check Cashers in Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Los Angeles Charged For Alleged Violations of Anti-Money Laundering Laws WASHINGTON - Seven individuals and four check cashing businesses were charged today in the Eastern District of New York and the Central District of California for their alleged roles in separate schemes to violate the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). The defendants allegedly failed to follow reporting and anti-money laundering requirements for transactions totaling more than $50 million. "Anti-money laundering laws are an important tool in the fight against health care fraud, as check cashers are often used to convert ill-gotten Medicare proceeds," said Inspector General Daniel R. Levinson.

June 14, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

United States Settles Lawsuit Against Christus Spohn Health System Corporation HOUSTON - Christus Spohn Health System Corporation has paid the United States more than $5 million to settle allegations regarding violations of the False Claims Act, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. The allegations included inappropriately admitting patients to inpatient status for outpatient procedures.

June 14, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Maryland

Army Doctor Sentenced To A Year In Prison For Illegally Distributing Oxycodone Baltimore, Maryland - U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Army doctor, Joffre Erwin Robalino, age 43, of Columbia, Maryland, today to a year and a day in prison, followed by a year of home confinement as part of three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone.

June 14, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Puerto Rico

Doctor Brothers José and Carlos López-Díaz Guilty Of Health Care Fraud SAN JUAN, P.R. - Today, after a one-month trial before District Court Judge Francisco A. Besosa, general practitioner José López-Díaz and his brother, dentist Carlos López-Díaz, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, announced United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. They were also found guilty of five counts of aggravated identity theft that are among the 35 counts included in the superseding indictment filed on December, 2011. José López-Díaz was also found guilty of all substantive health care fraud counts charged in the indictment.

June 13, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Co-Owner of Houston-Area Home Health Care Agency Sentenced To 108 Months in Prison for Role in $5.2 Million Medicare Fraud WASHINGTON - The former co-owner of a Houston-area home health care company was sentenced today in Houston to 108 months in prison for his participation in a $5.2 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

June 13, 2012; U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma

Tecumseh Man Ordered to Serve 51 Months in Prison and Pay over $4.6 Million in Restitution for Health Care Fraud in Sales of Prosthetics Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - Lance E. Faulkner, 46, from Tecumseh, Oklahoma, was sentenced by United States District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti to serve 51 months in prison for health care fraud in connection with sales of prosthetic limbs and components, announced Sanford C. Coats, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.

June 12, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Founder Of Mental Health Clinic Convicted Of Health Care Fraud PHILADELPHIA - A federal jury, yesterday, convicted Jo Benoit, a.k.a. Elissa Jo Benoit, 77, of King of Prussia, PA, of 76 counts of health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, distribution of controlled substances, and distribution of controlled substances to minors, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.

June 12, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Florida

Miami-Area Resident Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Participating in Medicare Fraud Scheme A Miami-area resident who helped pay illegal kickbacks and transported ineligible patients to a fraudulent mental health company was sentenced yesterday to 46 months in prison for her role in a scheme to falsely bill Medicare, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

June 12, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Virginia

Richmond Marketing Company Owner Sentenced to 37 Months for Conspiring to Receive Health Care Kickbacks RICHMOND, Va. - Lorie Monroe, 51, of Richmond, Va., was sentenced today to 37 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for Conspiracy to Receive Health Care Kickbacks, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. In addition, Monroe was ordered to pay $545,410.00 in restitution to the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services.

June 11, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Connecticut

Indictment Charges Alleged Dental Clinic Operator Involved In $20 Million Medicaid Fraud Scheme David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a nine-count indictment charging Gary F. Anusavice, also known as "Gary Andrews," "Gary Andrus" and "Gary Francis," 59, of North Kingstown, R.I., with various offenses related to his involvement in a $20 million Medicaid fraud scheme.

June 7, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Massachusetts

Orthofix, Inc. Agrees to Plead Guilty to Felony BOSTON - American medical device manufacturer Orthofix, Inc. has agreed to pay over $42 million to resolve criminal and civil liability arising from the illegal promotion of its bone growth stimulators Orthofix Spinal-Stim, the Orthofix Cervical-Stim and the Orthofix Physio-Stim.

June 7, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Texas-based Medical Device Manufacturer Pays U.S. $34 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Orthofix Inc., a Texas-based manufacturer of medical devices, has agreed to pay the United States $34,234,263 to settle allegations under the civil False Claims Act relating to the company's sale of bone growth stimulator devices, the Justice Department announced today. The company has also agreed to plead guilty to a felony of obstruction of a federal audit, and to pay a $7,765,737 criminal fine.

June 7, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Co-Owner of Detroit-Area Therapy Company Sentenced To 30 Months for Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - The co-owner of a Detroit-area physical and occupational therapy company was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for his leading role in a more than $1.9 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the Department of Health and Human Services.

June 7, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Recruiter in City Nursing Scheme Pleads Guilty HOUSTON - Floyd Leslie Brooks, 45, of Houston, has entered a plea of guilty to conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute for his role in the $45 million City Nursing Health Care scandal, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

June 6, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Home Health Agency Owner Pleads Guilty in Connection with Detroit Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - Detroit-area resident Muhammad "Sib" Ahmad pleaded guilty today for his role in organizing a more than $13 million home health care fraud and money laundering scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

June 4, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Los Angeles Physician Assistant Found Guilty for Role in $18.9 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Los Angeles physician assistant who worked at fraudulent medical clinics where he used the stolen identities of doctors to write prescriptions for medically-unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME) and diagnostic tests has been convicted of conspiracy, health care fraud and aggravated identity theft charges in connection with a $18.9 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, FBI and U.S. Department Health and Human Services.

June 4, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of New Jersey

Health Care Practitioner Pleads Guilty To Accepting Cash Kickbacks for Patient Referrals NEWARK, N.J. - Daisy Deguzman, a New Jersey doctor practicing in Newark, today admitted her role in a cash-for-patients scheme with a diagnostic facility in Orange, N.J., U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

June 4, 2012; U. S. Attorney; Eastern District of Virginia

Intensive In-Home Therapy Provider Sentenced to 24 Months for Health Care Fraud RICHMOND, Va. - Michael Griffin, 37, of Richmond, Va., was sentenced today to 24 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for Health Care Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1347. In addition, Griffin was ordered to pay $325,980.00 in restitution to the Department of Medical Assistance Services.

June 1, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Doctors, Therapist and Recruiters from Miami-Area Mental Health Care Corporation Convicted for Participating in $205 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A federal jury today convicted two Miami-area doctors, one Miami-area therapist and two others for their participation in a Medicare fraud scheme involving more than $205 million in fraudulent billings by American Therapeutic Corporation, a mental health care corporation, the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services announced today.

May 2012

May 31, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Arizona

Arizona Hospice to Pay $3.7 Million to Resolve False Claims Allegations PHOENIX - Hospice Family Care, Inc. has agreed to pay the United States $3,700,000 to resolve civil allegations that the company violated the federal False Claims Act by submitting false bills to Medicare.

May 31, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

McAllen Urologist and Wife Charged with Health Care Fraud HOUSTON - A federal grand jury has returned a three-count, superseding indictment against Dr. Hossein Lahiji and his wife, attorney Najmeh Vahid Lahiji, both of McAllen and San Antonio, Texas, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. The indictment, alleging conspiracy to commit health care fraud and health care fraud, was returned just a short time ago in Houston.

May 30, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of Michigan

Physical Therapist Pleads Guilty, Agrees To Pay More Than Two Million Dollars In Treble Damages, In Connection With Health Care Fraud Scheme GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN - Chyawan Bansil, P.T., Ph.D., 60, of Farmington Hills, Michigan pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert Holmes Bell to one count of health care fraud and one count of money laundering, U.S. Attorney Donald A. Davis announced today.

May 25, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of Missouri

Psychologist Indicted For $1.2 Million Health Care Fraud KANSAS CITY, Mo. - David M. Ketchmark, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a psychologist practicing in the Lebanon, Mo., area has been indicted by a federal grand jury for engaging in a $1.2 million scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid.

May 25, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Medicare Fraud Lands Area Chiropractor in Prison HOUSTON - Justina Okehie aka Dr. Tina Collins, of Richmond, Texas, has been sentenced to federal prison for her role in a multi-million dollar health care fraud scheme, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. Okehie pleaded guilty Oct. 27, 2011.

May 24, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Houston Area Physician and Local Business Man Charged in Diagnostic Testing Fraud Scheme HOUSTON - Dr. Donald Gibson II, 56, of Sugarland, Texas, and Sunday Joseph Edem, 53, of Richmond, Texas, have been arrested for health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud relating medically unnecessary diagnostic testing and physical therapy, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

May 24, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Brownsville Mother and Daughter-in-Law Handed Sentences in Health Care Fraud Scheme McALLEN, Texas - Felicitas Velez Alanis, 51, and her daughter-in-law Erika Ortega Alanis, 27, both of Brownsville, Texas, have been sentenced to federal prison for conspiring to defraud the Texas Medicaid program, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today along with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.

May 24, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Connecticut

Dental Practice Operators Charged in $20 Million Medicaid Fraud Conspiracy David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Susan J. Waddell, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General for New England, William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that GARY F. ANUSAVICE, also known as "Gary Andrews," "Gary Andrus" and "Gary Francis," 59, of North Kingstown, R.I., and MEHRAN ZAMANI, DDS, 47, of Pound Ridge, N.Y., were arrested today on federal charges related to their alleged involvement in a $20 million Medicaid fraud scheme.

May 24, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Virginia

Former Provider of Home Health Care Services Indicted for Medicaid Fraud NORFOLK, VA-Janice W. Holland, 41, of Suffolk, Virginia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of health care fraud, 31 counts of making false statements relating to health care matters, one count of alteration of records, and two counts of aggravated identity theft.

May 22, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Massachusetts

Boston Medical Supplier Indicted for Concealing Information from Medicare Boston - A Hyde Park man was charged today in federal court with concealing material information from Medicare.

May 21, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Kansas

Wichita Physician and His Company Pay $1.5 Million to Settle Allegations of Medicare False Claims WICHITA, KAN. - Roger W. Evans, M.D. and his company, EECP Heart Center of Kansas, Inc. (EECP), have agreed to pay $1.5 million to the United States to settle allegations that Evans and EECP submitted false claims to the Medicare program, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom announced today. Evans is owner and president of EECP.

May 18, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Louisiana

Covington Man Arrested on Health Care Fraud and Conspiracy Charges NEW ORLEANS-Boyd William Leahy, age 45, was arrested this morning on charges of health care fraud and conspiracy. Boyd Leahy and his wife, Angelina Gaitan Leahy, also age 45, both residents of Covington, Louisiana, were charged in a 17-count indictment for health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jim Letten.

May 18, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Middle District of Florida

Former Daytona Beach Chiropractor Charged With Illegally Dispensing Prescription Drugs and Health Care Fraud Orlando, FL - United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces that the United States has filed a criminal complaint charging Joseph Wagner (62, Daytona Beach) with illegally dispensing and distributing prescription drugs and health care fraud. If convicted, Wagner faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for each charge.

May 18, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Georgia

Armenian National Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Role in $1 Million Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme BRUNSWICK, GA-Sahak Tumanyan, 42, was sentenced Wednesday by Chief United States District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood to five years in prison for his role in a health care fraud and money laundering conspiracy in which more than $1.5 million was stolen from Medicare through a phony medical business in Brunswick, Georgia.

May 18, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Kansas

Topeka Physician Charged With Health Care Fraud TOPEKA, KAN. -A Topeka physician has been charged in federal court with health care fraud, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

May 18, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Connecticut

Substance Abuse Counselor Charged With Health Care Fraud David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Alan Emmett Bradley, 56, of Norwalk, Conn. and Ocoee, Fla., was arrested yesterday in Florida on a federal criminal complaint charging him with one count of health care fraud.

May 17, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Illinois

Chicago Area Surgeon Convicted At Federal Trial of Making False Statements Relating To Health Care Benefits and Services CHICAGO - Dr. John Natale, a Chicago area vascular and thoracic surgeon, was convicted of two federal felony counts for making false statements in reports relating to health care benefits and services following a week-long trial in U.S. District Court. A jury deliberated several hours yesterday afternoon before convicting Natale of two counts of making false statements and acquitting him of two counts of health care fraud and one count of mail fraud for allegedly defrauding Medicare, federal law enforcement officials announced today.

May 17, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Co-Owner of Detroit-Area Physical Therapy Company Sentenced to 48 Months for Medicare Fraud Scheme The co-owner of a Detroit-area physical therapy company was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for her leading role in a more than $1.9 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

May 17, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Owner of Houston Health Care Company Convicted of Defrauding Medicare WASHINGTON - An owner of a Houston health care company was convicted yesterday by a jury in the Southern District of Texas in connection with a $750,000 Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services.

May 16, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Houston-Area Nurse Sentenced to 97 Months in Prison for Role in $5.2 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Houston-area nurse was sentenced today in Houston for her participation in a $5.2 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Service.

May 16, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Local Dentist/Orthodontist Couple Convicted of Making False Statements on Bills to Texas Medicaid LAREDO, Texas - Local dentist Dr. Carlos Armin Morales-Ryan, 45, and his wife local orthodontist Dr. Nelia Patricia Garcia-Morales, 42, have pleaded guilty to a criminal information admitting they made false statements on bills to Texas Medicaid, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

May 15, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Pennsylvania

United States Settled With Temple University and Dr. Joseph Kubacki Over Improper Billing PHILADELPHIA - Dr. Joseph Kubacki and Temple University - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education ("Temple") have agreed to pay the United States a combined $1,088,574.93, resolving Temple's voluntary disclosure that it improperly billed the United States for medical services provided by residents but that Temple billed as though they had been performed by attending physicians.

May 15, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Ambulance Company Worker Sentenced To Prison Term for Fraud Scheme PHILADELPHIA - Ivan Tkach, 30, of Newtown, PA, was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare and the U.S. Government.

May 14, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

South Texas Couple Convicted of Bankruptcy Fraud HOUSTON - Michael Giventer, 53, formerly of Brownsville, Texas, has just pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bankruptcy fraud, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. Giventer's wife, Julia Shavabskaya, 40, currently residing in Florida, also pleaded guilty to the same charge on April 30, 2012.

May 11, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Massachusetts

New York Man Convicted for Health Care Fraud BOSTON - A New York man was convicted today in federal court for committing health care fraud. Michael J. McKay, 32, of Saratoga Springs, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Denise J. Casper to committing health care fraud.

May 11, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Maryland

NIH Employee Pleads Guilty To Using Government Credit Cards to Make Purchases for HerPersonal Use Baltimore, Maryland - Tamia M. McCoy, age 32, of Germantown, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to theft of government property and money, in connection with her use of government credit cards to make unauthorized purchases of goods and services for her personal use.

May 11, 2012: U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Michigan

Detroit-area Physician Convicted in $6.7 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme A federal jury sitting in Detroit, Michigan, convicted a Detroit area physician for his role in a $6.7 million Medicare Fraud scheme, the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the Department of Health and Human Services announced today.

May 9, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Middle District of Florida

Occupational Therapy Assistant Sentenced For Medicare And Medicaid Fraud Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces today that United States District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich sentenced Patrick Timothy Crisler (46, Inverness) to 30 months in federal prison for defrauding Medicare and Medicaid. The court also ordered Crisler to forfeit $455,537.30, which are proceeds traceable to his offense.

May 8, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Doctor and Home Health Agency Owner Plead Guilty in Connection with Detroit Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - Detroit-area residents Zahir Yousafzai and Dr. Dwight Smith pleaded guilty yesterday for their roles in a $13.8 million home health care fraud and money laundering scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services

May 8, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Connecticut

Father of Four Admits Failing to Pay Child Support for Nearly 20 Years David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that William Anthony Robson, also known as Rick Albrecht, 53, pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport to one count of failure to pay a legal child support obligation.

May 7, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Texas

Federal Grand Jury Indicts Owner of Local Durable Medical Equipment Company on Health Care Fraud Charges DALLAS - Philip Odoemena, 59, the owner/operator/administrator of Kingsway Medical Systems, Inc., has been charged in a federal indictment with felony offenses related to a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid, announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas. Odoemena appeared Friday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma C. Ramirez, who ordered him detained pending trial.

May 7, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Abbott Labs to Pay $1.5 Billion to Resolve Criminal & Civil Investigations of Off-label Promotion of Depakote Global Health Care Company Abbott Laboratories Inc. has pleaded guilty and agreed to pay $1.5 billion to resolve its criminal and civil liability arising from the company's unlawful promotion of the prescription drug Depakote for uses not approved as safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration, the Justice Department announced today. The resolution - the second largest payment by a drug company - includes a criminal fine and forfeiture totaling $700 million and civil settlements with the federal government and the states totaling $800 million. Abbott also will be subject to court-supervised probation and reporting obligations for Abbott's CEO and Board of Directors.

May 4, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of New York

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Recovers $11.75 Million In Medicare False Claims Act Lawsuit Against Lenox Hill Hospital Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that the United States has filed and simultaneously settled a civil health care fraud lawsuit against Lenox Hill Hospital.

May 3, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Tennessee

Apex Medical Group Will Pay $4.36 Million to Resolve Federal & State Health Care Fraud Investigation KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - A settlement was finalized this week with Apex Medical Group, P.C., d.b.a. Nephrology Consultants, a local nephrology physician practice group, and certain affiliated dialysis centers in Knox and surrounding counties. Apex Medical Group (Apex) agreed to pay $4.36 million to settle alleged violations of the federal False Claims Act, the Tennessee Medicaid False Claims Act, and other federal and state laws and regulations.

May 2, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of New York

Delinquent Doctor Finally Repays Student Loan Catskill area optometrist pays $120,000.00 Albany, New York- United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian announced that his office has reached a settlement with Dr. Christine Scrodanus, a Catskill, New York optometrist, for $120,000.00. The settlement was in connection with a defaulted Health Education Assistance Loan.

May 2, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of Michigan

22 Detroit-area Residents Charged in Nationwide Medicare Fraud Strike Force Takedown DETROIT - Twenty-two Detroit-area residents were charged today for their roles in psychotherapy, home health care and infusion therapy schemes to submit more than $58 million in false billing to Medicare, announced the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services. Including these charges, Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations in Detroit have charged a total of 164 individuals in cases involving approximately $244 million in fraudulent billings to Medicare.

May 2, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Central District of California

8 Los Angeles-Area Residents Charged In Nationwide Medicare Fraud Strike Force Takedown LOS ANGELES- Eight Los Angeles-area residents, including two doctors, were charged today for their roles in schemes to submit more than $14 million in false billing to Medicare, announced the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services (HHS).

May 2 , 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Alabama

Lauderdale County Doctor Indicted for Health Care Fraud and Wire Fraud BIRMINGHAM - A federal grand jury today indicted a Lauderdale County physician for fraud totaling about $1.3 million in connection to billing a health insurer and Medicare for non-reimbursable cosmetic skin treatments, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and FBI Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Maley.

May 2, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Illinois

Chicago Area Man Charged In $1 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme CHICAGO - A south suburban resident who purported to provide psychotherapy services to Medicare patients was charged with participating in a $1 million health care fraud scheme, the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services announced today.

May 2, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Florida

Fifty-Nine South Florida Residents Charged as Part of Nationwide Coordinated Takedown by Medicare Fraud Strike Force Operations Miami - Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, Christopher B. Dennis, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Henry Gutierrez, Postal Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division, announced that fifty-nine (59) South Florida residents were charged for their alleged participation in various schemes to defraud Medicare out of more than $137 million.

May 2, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services

Medicare Fraud Strike Force Charges 107 Individuals for Approximately $452 Million in False Billing Attorney General Eric Holder and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that a nationwide takedown by Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations in seven cities has resulted in charges against 107 individuals, including doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in Medicare fraud schemes involving approximately $452 million in false billing.

May 1, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of California

Psychiatric Solutions Inc. and Universal Health Services Inc. Agree to Jointly Pay $3.45 Million to Settle Allegations of Fraud SACRAMENTO, Calif. - United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that Psychiatric Solutions Inc. (PSI) and Universal Health Services Inc. (UHS) have agreed to jointly pay $3.45 million to the United States to settle allegations that subsidiary BHC Sierra Vista Hospital Inc. defrauded the Medicare program. PSI owned Sierra Vista when the alleged conduct occurred; UHS acquired PSI and subsidiary Sierra Vista in November of 2010 and is jointly responsible according to the purchase arrangement.

April 2012

April 25, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Massachusetts

Three Charged with Making False Statements to Medicaid BOSTON - Three Boston individuals were charged today in federal court with making false statements to Medicaid, a federal agency, in order to obtain benefits to which they were not entitled.

April 26, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

McKesson Corp. Pays U.S. More Than $190 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations McKesson Corporation has agreed to pay the United States more than $190 million to resolve claims that it violated the False Claims Act by reporting inflated pricing information for a large number of prescription drugs, causing Medicaid to overpay for those drugs.

April 25, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of North Carolina

Alleghany Co. Woman Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud Conspiracy and MoneyLaundering Conspiracy CHARLOTTE, N.C. - An Alleghany Co. woman charged with health care fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy has pled guilty to those charges today, announced Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

April 25, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Three Operators of Miami Home Health Company Sentenced in $60 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - Three operators of a Miami health care agency were sentenced today to 120, 87 and 87 months in prison, respectively, for their participation in a $60 million home health Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services

April 24, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Middle District of Florida

Owners and Operators of Physical Therapy Clinics Charged in Multi- Million Dollar Health Care Fraud Conspiracy Tampa, Florida - United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces the unsealing of a thirty-count indictment charging Luis Duluc (51, formerly of Weston, Florida), and Margarita Grishkoff (57, Charlotte, North Carolina) with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and additional substantive counts of health care fraud, making false statements related to a health care matter, and aggravated identity theft.

April 24, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Owner of Med-Quick Diagnostics Convicted In Illegal Kickback Conspiracy McALLEN, Texas - The owner of an area medical supply and diagnostic testing company has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the federal anti-kickback statute, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

April 24, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

DME Operator Convicted In Illegal Kickback Conspiracy McALLEN, Texas - The owner of an area medical supply company has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the federal anti-kickback statute, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

April 23, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of New Jersey

Ocean County, N.J., Man Sentenced To Four Years in Prison for Posing As Licensed Physician in Medicare Fraud Scheme TRENTON, N.J. - A Toms River, N.J. man was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for unlawfully treating patients, prescribing medicine and ordering procedures while posing as a licensed physician with an Ocean County medical practice in a Medicare fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

April 20, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Walgreens Pharmacy Chain Pays $7.9 Million to Resolve False Prescription Billing Case Walgreens, an Illinois-based corporation operating a national retail pharmacy chain, has paid the United States and participating states $7.9 million to resolve allegations that Walgreens violated the False Claims Act, the Justice Department announced today.

April 20, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Illinois

Home Health Care Administrator Pleads Guilty To Federal Health Care Fraud And Kickback Scheme ROCKFORD - An Elmhurst, Ill., woman pleaded guilty today in federal court in Rockford, before U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Kapala, to healthcare fraud and kickback violations. Merigrace Orillo, 45, co-owned and operated Chalice Home Healthcare Services, Inc., with her husband Virgilio Orillo. Chalice had offices in Chicago, Freeport, and Morris, Illinois. Orillo admitted that her fraud scheme caused a loss of more than $400,000 to the Medicare program.

April 19, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Massachusetts

U.S. Pharmaceutical Company Merck Sharp & Dohme Sentenced in Connection with Unlawful Promotion of Vioxx® BOSTON - American pharmaceutical company Merck, Sharp & Dohme was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to pay a criminal fine in the amount of $321,636,000 in connection with its guilty plea related to its promotion and marketing of the painkiller Vioxx® (rofecoxib). In December 2011, Merck pleaded guilty to violating the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) for introducing a misbranded drug, Vioxx®, into interstate commerce.

April 19, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Recruiters Charged in Multi-Million Dollar City Nursing Scheme HOUSTON - Floyd Leslie Brooks, 45, Gwendolyn Kay Frank, 43, both of Houston, have been charged with conspiracy to violation the Anti-Kickback Statue, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. The charges are in relation to the massive health care fraud conspiracy that billed the Medicare and Medicaid programs for more than $45 million.

April 19, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Columbia

Medicare Recipient Sentenced For Health Care Fraud WASHINGTON - Walt R. Wilson, 42, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to six months of home detention after earlier pleading guilty to a charge of health care fraud stemming from a scheme involving more than $71,000 in fraudulent Medicare payments.

April 18, 2012; U.S. Attorney's Office; Eastern District of Louisiana

Metairie Doctor Sentenced for Receiving Materials Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of Minors and Health Care Fraud NEW ORLEANS-Dan Joachim, M.D., age 52, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, was sentenced today to serve six years in prison before U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman after previously pleading guilty as charged to receiving materials involving the sexual exploitation of minors and health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jim Letten. Joachim was further ordered to repay $5,000 in restitution and sentenced to five years of supervised release after his term of imprisonment ends. Physicians Analytical Services Inc. (PAS) a Maryland corporation that pleaded guilty to the same count of health care fraud was sentenced to repay $500,000 in restitution and was also placed on one year of probation.

April 18, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Detroit-Area Patient Recruiter Pleads Guilty to Medicare Fraud WASHINGTON - A Detroit-area patient recruiter pleaded guilty today for his participation in a Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services

April 13, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Middle District of Tennessee

AmMed Direct, LLC, to Pay $18 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations AmMed Direct, LLC, has agreed to pay the United States and the State of Tennessee $18 million to settle False Claims Act allegations, announced Jerry E. Martin, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.

April 11, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Florida

Miami Doctor Convicted on Health Care Fraud and Oxycodone Trafficking Charges Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, announced that, after a five day trial, a Miami federal jury found Frank J. Ballesteros, M.D., of Miami, guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone and oxymorphone, possession of oxycodone and oxymorphone with intent to distribute those drugs, and conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

April 10, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Dallas-Based Tenet Healthcare Pays More Than $42 Million to Settle Allegations Of Improperly Billing Medicare WASHINGTON- Tenet Healthcare Corporation has agreed to pay the United States $42.75 million to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by overbilling the federal Medicare program, the Justice Department announced today.

April 9, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Massachusetts

Former Vice-President of Medical Device Company Convicted of Violating Anti-Kickback Law BOSTON - The former vice-president of a medical device company was convicted today in federal court with violating the Anti-Kickback law. Thomas P. Guerrieri, 51, of Youngstown, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court before U.S. District Judge Rya W. Zobel for violating the Anti-Kickback statute. Guerrieri was the former vice-president of sales at a medical device company that sold bone growth stimulators.

April 9, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of New Jersey

Randolph, N.J., Otolaryngologist Sentenced To Two Years In Prison For Health Care Fraud NEWARK, N.J. - A North Caldwell, N.J., doctor was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for his role in defrauding Blue Cross Blue Shield of more than $725,000 by submitting false claims for services he never performed, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

April 3, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Ohio

Chiropractor Indicted For Defrauding Health Care Insurers Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, announced today a federal indictment was filed charging chiropractor John N. Heary with thirty eight counts of health care fraud, nine counts of mail fraud, and eight counts of paying illegal kickbacks in connection with the operation of his corporations HealthSource of Medina and Medina Health and Wellness Center, Inc.

April 3, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Florida-Based Wellcare Health Plans Agrees to Pay $137.5 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations WASHINGTON - WellCare Health Plans Inc. will pay $137.5 million to the federal government and nine states to resolve four lawsuits alleging violations of the False Claims Act, the Justice Department announced today. WellCare, based in Tampa, Fla., provides managed health care services for approximately 2.6 million Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries nationwide.

April 3, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Georgia-Based Radiation Oncology Practice to Pay $3.8 Million to Settle False Claims Act Case WASHINGTON - Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia LLC, a radiation oncology practice, and its affiliates RCOG Cancer Centers LLC, Physician Oncology Services Management Company LLC, Frank A. Critz, M.D. and Physician Oncology Services L.P. (collectively, RCOG) agreed to pay $3.8 million to settle claims that they violated the False Claims Act, the Justice Department announced today. RCOG, which is located in Decatur, Ga., allegedly billed Medicare for medical treatment that they provided to prostate cancer patients in excess of those permitted by Medicare rules and for services that were not medically necessary.

April 3, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Miami-Area Assisted Living Facility Owner Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Kickback Scheme WASHINGTON - The owner of a Miami-area assisted living facility pleaded guilty yesterday for her role in a kickback scheme that funneled patients to a fraudulent mental health provider, American Therapeutic Corporation (ATC), announced the Department of Justice, FBI and Department of Health and Human Services

April 3, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

New Defendant Charged in Multi-Million Dollar Health Care Fraud Case HOUSTON - Tony Nnonso Obi, 56, a naturalized U.S. citizen from the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been charged in a 20-count indictment for his role in a massive health care fraud conspiracy that billed the Medicare and Medicaid programs for more than $45 million, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

April 3, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Georgia

Atlanta Man Convicted of Billing $32.9 Million for Worthless Services While Operating "Horrendous" Nursing Homes ROME, GA - George Dayln Houser, 63, of Atlanta, has been convicted on charges of conspiring with his wife to defraud the Medicare and Medicaid programs by billing them for "worthless services" in the operation of three deficient nursing homes between July 2004 and September 2007. Medicare and Medicaid paid Houser more than $32.9 million during that time for food, medical care, and other services for nursing home residents that he either did not provide, or that were so deficient that they were worthless.

April 3, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of South Dakota

Okreek Woman Charged with False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters and Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Okreek, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters and Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud.

April 2, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Two Owners and Two Employees of Miami Home Health Company Plead Guilty in $20 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - Two owners and two employees of a Miami home health care agency pleaded guilty for their participation in a $20 million Medicare fraud scheme involving false billings for home health care services, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services

April 2, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of South Dakota

Hudson Woman Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Tylese Rodriquez, a/k/a Tylese Marie Pearson, age 32, of Hudson, South Dakota, appeared before US Magistrate Judge John E. Simko on March 30, 2012, and pled guilty to count 2 of an indictment that charged her with Health Care Fraud.

March 2012

March 30, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Miami-Area Resident Pleads Guilty to Participating in $200 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Miami-area resident pleaded guilty today for his role in structuring monetary transactions to provide cash for the furtherance of a fraud scheme that resulted in the submission of more than $200 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

March 30, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Iowa

Centerville Woman Charged With Over $700,000 of Health Care Fraud DES MOINES, IA - On March 29, 2012, Angela Shae Ellison, age 45, of Centerville, Iowa, made her initial appearance in federal court on charges of committing over $700,000 of fraud against Medicaid, WellMark Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, and United Health through false billing, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Klinefeldt.

March 30, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Indiana

Hogsett Announces Indictment of Hamilton County Man on Health Care Fraud, Money Laundering Charges INDIANAPOLIS-Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney, announced today that Donald Hamilton, age 49, of Carmel, has been charged by federal indictment with one count of health care fraud, five counts of false statements in a health care matter, and two counts of money laundering, all of which is alleged to have resulted in a loss to Hoosier taxpayers of more than $1 million.

March 29, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Maine

Lewiston Man Pleads Guilty to Immigration and Fraud Charges Portland, Maine - United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced today that Mohdi M. Ali, also known as Mahdi M. Ali, age 56, of Lewiston, Maine, pleaded guilty today in the U.S. District Court in Portland, before Judge D. Brock Hornby to using an Alien Registration Card procured by fraud, making false statements in connection with a health care benefit program, and using a social security number obtained on the basis of false information.

March 29, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Detroit Medical Clinic Owner Pleads Guilty to Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - The owner of a Detroit medical clinic pleaded guilty today for his participation in a Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

March 29, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of Washington

South Sound Doctor Sentenced To More Than 12 Years in Prison for Health Care Fraud, Tax Crimes and Drug Distribution Antoine Johnson, 41, a former resident of Aberdeen, Washington, and his mother, Lawanda Johnson, 63, were sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma for more than two dozen federal felonies connected with their operation of four health care clinics in Western Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.

March 29, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of West Virginia

Morgantown Health Care Providers pay $2.25 Million for False Claims, Substandard Care WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that Monongalia Health System, Inc. and Morgantown Health Care Corporation, which formerly operated MonPointe Continuing Care Center, have paid $2.25 million to the United States to settle allegations that MonPointe submitted fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid from September 1, 2006 through May 31, 2007, in violation of the Federal False Claims Act.

March 28, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Doctor Sentenced For Health Care Fraud PHILADELPHIA - Dr. Joseph J. Kubacki, 63, of Destin, Florida, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison for a health care fraud scheme in which he submitted fraudulent claims and caused more than $1.8 million in payments to be paid by Medicare and 31 other health insurers. A federal jury convicted Kubacki of 150 counts of health care fraud, wire fraud, and making false statements in health care matters. The verdict was announced on August 22, 2011.

March 28, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Residential Youth Treatment Facility for Medicaid Recipients in Marion, Virginia Agrees to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations & Will Pay $6.85 Million to Settle Allegations of Providing Substandard Adolescent Psychiatric Services Universal Health Services Inc. and two subsidiaries have reached a settlement in a False Claims Act lawsuit with the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Justice Department announced today.

March 28, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Maryland

Two Physicians Indicted In a Conspiracy to Defraud the IRS by Concealing Their Income and Filing False Tax Returns Greenbelt, Maryland - A federal grand jury has indicted cardiologist Abdul H. Fadul, age 75, and Ali Al-Attar, age 49, a doctor of internal medicine, of Alexandria and McLean, Virginia, respectively, today on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States by attempting to hide their true income, and aiding in the preparation of false tax returns.

March 28, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Maryland

Good Samaritan Hospital Agrees To Pay $793,548 To Settle False Claims Act Allegations Baltimore, Maryland - Good Samaritan Hospital, a facility within the MedStar Health System, has agreed to pay the United States $793,548 to settle claims that it submitted false claims to federal health benefits programs over a four-year period between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2008.

March 27, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Washington

Unites States Department Of Justice And The State Of Washington Announce Successful Health Care Fraud Settlement With Bates Drug Stores In Spokane Spokane - Today, Joseph H. Harrington, Attorney for the United States, Acting Under Authority Conferred by 28 U.S.C. ' 515, announced that the United States Department of Justice (on behalf of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, which administers the Medicare program) and the State of Washington (on behalf of the Washington State Health Care Authority, which administers the Medicaid program) have reached a civil settlement with Bates Drug Stores, Inc. in the amount of $602,271.14.

March 27, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Detroit Podiatrist Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Detroit-area doctor of podiatric medicine was sentenced today to one year in prison for a fraud scheme involving false billings to Medicare, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services

March 23, 2012; U. S. Department of Justice

United States Settles False Claims Act Allegations against Illinois-Based Lifewatch Services WASHINGTON - LifeWatch Services Inc., a Rosemont, Ill.-based company, has agreed to pay the United States $18.5 million to resolve allegations that the company submitted false claims to federal health care programs, the Justice Department announced today. The settlement resolves two lawsuits filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act.

March 23, 2012; U. S. Department of Justice

Pennsylvania- Based Eusa Pharma (USA) Inc. to Pay U.S. $180,000 for Allegedly Submitting Inflated Claims to Medicare WASHINGTON - EUSA Pharma (USA) Inc. has agreed to pay the United States $180,000 to resolve claims that it violated the False Claims Act by allegedly encouraging doctors to submit inflated claims to Medicare for imaging scans, the Justice Department announced today. EUSA Pharma (USA) is headquartered in Langhorne, Pa.

March 23, 2012; United States Attorney; Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Multi-Million dollar Hospice Health Care Fraud Scheme Alleged PHILADELPHIA - An indictment was unsealed today charging five nurses in a health care fraud conspiracy arising from their employment at Home Care Hospice, Inc., a hospice care provider in Philadelphia, between 2005 and 2008, that resulted in a multi-million dollar fraud on Medicare.

March 22, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Massachusetts

New Hampshire Man Guilty of Health Care Fraud BOSTON - A manager for a company that manufactured and distributed bone growth stimulator medical devices was convicted today in federal court on fraud charges.

March 22, 2012; U. S. Department of Justice

Baton Rouge, La.-area Residents Sentenced in Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - Two patient recruiters for several Louisiana durable medical equipment (DME) companies were sentenced today for their roles in Medicare fraud schemes involving fraudulent claims and illegal kickback payments for unnecessary DME, announced the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the FBI and the Louisiana State Attorney General's Office.

March 22, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of New York

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Health Care Fraud Charges Against Two Employees Of The New York City Human Resources Administration Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Janice K. Fedarcyk, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Rose Gill Hearn, the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation, today announced charges against Kelvin Jennings and Pamela Jones, two long-time employees of the New York City Human Resources Administration, for allegedly creating and distributing fraudulent Medicaid cards in exchange for cash payments. JONES was arrested this morning and is expected to appear in Manhattan federal court later today. Jennings remains at large.

March 21, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Texas

Texas Orthodontic Clinic and Former Owner Resolve Allegations of False Medicaid Claims DALLAS - All Smiles Dental Center, Inc. and its former majority owner, Richard Malouf, D.D.S. (collectively "All Smiles"), agreed to pay the U.S. and State of Texas $1.2 million to resolve allegations that they violated the civil False Claims Act and Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act, announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.

March 20, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Virginia

Mental Health Service Provider Indicted for Health Care Fraud RICHMOND, Va. - Joseph T. Hackett, 31, of Asheville, N.C., was indicted by a federal grand jury today on four counts of health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to pay health care kickbacks.

March 16, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Miami-Area Resident Pleads Guilty to Participating in $200 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Miami-area resident pleaded guilty yesterday for his role in a fraud scheme that resulted in the submission of more than $200 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

March 15, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Maine

Walgreens Settles Federal and State Health Care Billing Complaint Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II today announced that Walgreen Co. ("Walgreens"), a national retail pharmacy chain that owns and operates retail drug outlets in Maine, paid $350,000 to settle claims involving billings to Maine's Medicaid program, known as MaineCare. MaineCare provides health insurance benefits to specific groups of low-income people.

March 15, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of New York

Michigan Man Arrested On Health Care Fraud Charge Buffalo, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Fitzgerald Anthony Hudson, 51, of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, was arrested and charged by Criminal Complaint with health care fraud. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, and a fine of $250,000.

March 15, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Virginia

Richmond Woman Convicted of Health Care Fraud and Filing False Tax Return RICHMOND, Va. - Veronica Sharon Cunningham, 49, of Richmond, Va., was convicted today by a federal jury on 26 counts of health care fraud, eight counts of making false statements on patient health care records, and a single count of filing a false tax return.

March 14, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Three Detroit-Area Clinic Owners Plead Guilty for Their Roles in $5.4 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - Three Detroit-area clinic owners pleaded guilty today for their participation in a Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

March 14, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Illinois

Physician Who Operated South Side Medical Clinic Convicted Of Health Care Fraud Involving Unnecessary Patient Tests CHICAGO - A federal jury yesterday convicted Dr. Jaswinder Rai Chhibber, a physician who operated a south side medical clinic, of engaging in a health care fraud scheme between 2007 and July 2010, federal law enforcement officials announced today. Chhibber, who operated the former Cottage Grove Community Medical Clinic, located at 642 East 79th St., Chicago, was convicted of defrauding Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois by submitting false insurance claims for medically unnecessary tests and using false diagnosis codes to justify the tests he had ordered.

March 14, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Texas

Humble Woman Sentenced for East Texas Health Care Fraud BEAUMONT, TX-A 61-year-old Humble, Texas woman has been sentenced to federal prison for health care related fraud in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

March 13, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Miami-Area Resident Pleads Guilty to Participating in $200 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Miami-area resident pleaded guilty today for his role in a fraud scheme that resulted in the submission of more than $200 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

March 9, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Owner of Houston Health Care Company Sentenced To 30 Months in Prison In Connection With Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - An owner and operator of a Houston durable medical equipment company was sentenced today in Houston federal court to 30 months in prison for his role in a Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

March 9, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Broward County, Fla.-Area Halfway House Owner Sentenced To 24 Months In Prison For Participating In Fraud And Kickback Scheme WASHINGTON - The owner and operator of a Broward County, Fla.-area halfway house was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for his role in a Medicare fraud kickback scheme that funneled patients through a fraudulent mental health company, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

March 7, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Illinois

Two Doctors And Four Nurses Among 11 New Defendants Added To Case Alleging $20 Million Home Health Care Fraud Conspiracy, Medical Kickbacks, Money Laundering, And Income Tax Evasion CHICAGO-Two physicians and four registered nurses are among 11 new defendants who were added to a federal indictment against a suburban Chicago man who operated two home health care businesses for allegedly swindling Medicare of at least $20 million over five years, federal law enforcement officials announced today.

March 5, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Former FDA Chemist Sentenced To 60 Months in Prison for Insider Trading WASHINGTON - Cheng Yi Liang, a former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) chemist from Gaithersburg, Md., was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for engaging in insider trading on multiple occasions based on material, non-public information he obtained in his capacity as an FDA scientist. Liang was previously ordered to forfeit $3.7 million representing the proceeds of the insider trading scheme.

March 5, 2012; U. S. Attorney; District of New Jersey

Medical Assistant Charged For Allegedly Treating Patients without a License, Falsifying Billings to Medicare NEWARK, N.J. - A federal grand jury has indicted a medical assistant for a pair of large medical services companies with offices in New Jersey and New York who allegedly posed as a doctor and treated patients without a license, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

March 2, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of North Carolina

54-Month Prison Sentence For Woman Involved In A $1.5 Million Medicaid Fraud Scheme CHARLOTTE, N.C. - A Mt. Holly woman was sentenced to 54 months in prison and three years of supervised release for her role in a conspiracy to commit health care fraud and for money laundering charges, announced Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Chief U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad also ordered the defendant to pay restitution in the amount of $1,585,093 to the North Carolina Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).

March 1, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of New York

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Recovers More Than $13 Million In Medicare False Claims Act Lawsuit Against Beth Israel Medical Center Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that the United States has filed and simultaneously settled a civil health care False Claims Act lawsuit against the Beth Israel Medical Center ("Beth Israel") for fraudulently inflating its fees for services provided to Medicare patients in order to obtain larger supplemental reimbursement, known as "outlier payments," that Medicare pays to hospitals and other health care providers in cases where the cost of care is unusually high. In the settlement, Beth Israel admitted, acknowledged, and accepted responsibility for having selectively increased its charges to obtain more outlier payments than it would have otherwise received. Beth Israel also agreed to pay $13,031,355 to the United States to settle the Government's claims for damages and penalties under the False Claims Act. The settlement was approved yesterday by United States District Court Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald.

March 1, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Hospice Provider Odyssey Healthcare Agrees to Pay $25 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Odyssey HealthCare, a subsidiary of Gentiva, has agreed to pay $25 million to resolve civil liability under the federal False Claims Act arising from its billing of claims for certain hospice services, the Justice Department announced today. Odyssey Healthcare currently provides hospice services in approximately 27 states, including Wisconsin. Odyssey was purchased by Gentiva Healthcare in 2010.

March 1, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of Michigan

Nine Health Care Professionals, Including Five Doctors, Charged In Kickback Scheme Grand Rapids, Michigan -- U.S. Attorney Donald A. Davis and Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced today the federal Indictment (Link to Indictment) of eight individuals, including four licensed physicians and one licensed physician's assistant, for conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. Additionally, a state charge was filed against a Jackson, Michigan physician for allegedly accepting kickbacks to refer his patients to certain rehabilitation facilities. All eight federally charged defendants appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hugh W. Brenneman for an initial appearance on the charge, which carries a penalty of up to five years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and restitution.

March 1, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Middle District of Louisiana

Former Director Of The Louisiana Governor's Program On Abstinence Sentenced To Serve 70 Months In Prison Baton Rouge, LA - United States Attorney Donald J. Cazayoux, Jr. announced today that United States District Judge James J. Brady sentenced Gail Ray Dignam, age 64, currently of Diamondhead, Mississippi, and formerly of Baton Rouge, to seventy (70) months in prison, to pay restitution, and to a year of supervised release after imprisonment.

March 1, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Georgia

Doctor Banned from Federal Health Care Programs for Seven Years Atlanta-The United States Attorney's Office announced today that it has reached a settlement with ROBERT M. RITCHEA, M.D., 49, of Phenix City, Alabama, to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act that RITCHEA submitted more than $2.2 million in false or fraudulent claims to Medicare. Pursuant to the settlement, RITCHEA will be excluded from payment from all federal health care programs for a period of seven years. The payment prohibition applies to RITCHEA, anyone who employs or contracts with him, and any hospital or other provider for which he provides services. RITCHEA will also pay the United States the proceeds from the sale of a second home and $5,000 immediately. In the settlement process, a defendant's ability to pay is taken into consideration when determining the settlement amount.

February 2012

February 29, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

McAllen Area Health Care Marketer Guilty of Illegal Kickback Conspiracy McAllen, Texas - The owner of a purported health care resource center has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy in relation to a scheme to solicit and receive illegal kickbacks from area health care providers, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

February 29, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Louisiana

Three More Convicted Of Health Care Fraud in Baton Rouge, Louisiana BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Donald J. Cazayoux, Jr. announced that Linda M. Jackson, age 49, pled guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Brian A. Jackson to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. The case arose from a multi-year health care fraud scheme involving a company known as A&A Durable Medical Supply, LLC, in Plaquemine, Louisiana, which Jackson operated and managed. Jackson's guilty plea follows those entered by former A&A employees Eunice Sparrow, age 68, and Uniecesco Smith, age 29, both of whom pled guilty last week to multiple counts of health care fraud.

February 28, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Dallas Doctor Arrested for Alleged Role in Nearly $375 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A physician and the office manager of his medical practice, along with five owners of home health agencies, were arrested today on charges related to their alleged participation in a nearly $375 million health care fraud scheme involving fraudulent claims for home health services.

February 27, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Los Angeles Church Pastor Sentenced to Serve 36 Months in Prison for $14.2 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A former Los Angeles church pastor, who owned and operated several fraudulent durable medical equipment supply companies with her husband, was sentenced today to serve 36 months in prison for her role in a $14.2 million Medicare fraud scheme, the Department of Justice, FBI and Department of Health and Human Services announced.

February 24, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Houston Patient Recruiter Convicted in $1.1 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A patient recruiter for a Houston durable medical equipment company was convicted today by a federal jury in Houston of health care fraud related to an "arthritis kit" fraud scheme, the Department of Justice, FBI and Department of Health and Human Services announced.

February 24, 2012; District Of Maryland

Annapolis Serial Fraudster Admits To Over $2.6 Million In Losses From Real Estate, Business Loan And Social Security Fraud Schemes Baltimore, Maryland - Winnie Joanne Barefoot, a/k/a Winnie Jo Budzina, a/k/a Winnie JoAnne Conn, a/k/a Joanne Knopsnyder, a/k/a Olivia JoAnne Morgan, a/k/a Olivia JoAnne Barefoot Morgan, age 57, of Annapolis, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to bank fraud, arising from her use of numerous identities to fraudulently obtain real estate and commercial loans, while applying for and fraudulently receiving social security disability benefits.

February 22, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Assistant Administrator of Houston Hospital Pleads Guilty to Participating in $116 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - An assistant administrator of a Houston hospital pleaded guilty today for his role in a $116 million Medicare fraud scheme involving false claims for mental health treatment, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services

February 21, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Texas

Houston Man Sentenced for Role in Patient Information Trafficking Scheme BEAUMONT, Texas - A 44-year-old Houston man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a patient information trafficking scheme in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

February 21, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Middle District of Pennsylvania

Former Monroe County Pharmacy Operator Pleads Guilty to Misbranding of Medication in Federal Court The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that the former owner of a pharmacy located in Sciota, Pennsylvania, Benny Salerno, age 38, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to misbranding of pharmaceutical drugs at a hearing today in Wilkes Barre before United States District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo. Sentencing has been scheduled for May 24, 2012.

February 21, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Middle District of Pennsylvania

Former Penn State Professor Charged in $3 Million Federal Research Grant Fraud Pleads Guilty The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a former Penn State professor charged with a $3 million federal research grand fraud pleaded guilty today to all counts contained in the felony Information today in federal court before United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner, in Harrisburg.

February 21, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Fort Lauderdale, Florida-Area Halfway House Operator Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Participating in Fraud and Kickback Scheme WASHINGTON - The manager and operator of a Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-area halfway house was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for his role in a Medicare fraud kickback scheme that funneled patients to a fraudulent mental health provider, American Therapeutic Corporation (ATC), announced the Department of Justice, FBI and Department of Health and Human Services.

February 21, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Idaho

Illinois Man Sentenced for Failing to Pay more than $50,000 in Child Support BOISE - Rusty D. Haile, 47, of Keens, Illinois, was sentenced in federal court in Boise today for felony willful failure to pay a court-ordered child support obligation, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill sentenced Haile to five years probation and ordered him to pay $119,700.44 in restitution, the amount of his outstanding child support obligation. Haile pled guilty on November 28, 2011.

February 17, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Maine

Former PIN Rx Pharmacist Pleads Guilty to Kickback and Tax Charges Portland, Maine - United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced today that Reginald S. Gracie, Jr., age 40, of Bowdoin, Maine, pleaded guilty today in the U.S. District Court, in Portland, before Chief Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr., to corruptly soliciting and receiving kickbacks as an agent of an organization that received federal funds, and filing false federal income tax returns, all of which was relating to his employment at PIN Rx, a mail order pharmacy operated by the Penobscot Indian Nation in 2005 and 2006.

February 17, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Rhode Island

Medical Equipment Sales Rep Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge of Health Care Fraud PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Sonja Ascoli, 59, of Woonsocket, R.I., pled guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence today to defrauding the federal Medicare program of more than $70,000, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha.

February 16, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Kansas

Texas Man Convicted of Medicare Fraud in Kansas KANSAS CITY, KS-A Texas man has been convicted of fraudulently billing Medicare for power wheelchairs and other medical devices, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

February 14, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Alabama

Four Convicted In Multi-Million Dollar Hemophilia Medication Kickback Scheme United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown announces today that a federal jury has convicted Lori Brill, Butch Brill, Jeff Vernon, and Chris Vernon of various charges arising out of their participation in a scheme to bill Alabama Medicaid for unnecessary hemophilia medication and to supply inducements, in the form of illicit commission payments, for Medicaid referrals.

February 14, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Two Houston-Area Nurses Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Roles in $5.2 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - Two Houston-area nurses and two of their co-conspirators have been sentenced in Houston for their participation in a $5.2 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Service.

February 14, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of New York

Dead Beat Dad Sentenced Albany, New York -United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian, announced that Donald K. Tatro, age 42, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge Thomas J. McAvoy, in Federal District Court in Albany, on his guilty plea to one count of failure to pay child support. Tatro was sentenced to 5 years probation, 6 months of home detention, and ordered to make monthly payments of $345.00 toward an outstanding balance of $46,710.87.

February 13, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Co-Owner of Two Los Angeles-Area Health Care Companies Sentenced to 96 Months in Prison for Health Care Fraud WASHINGTON - The co-owner of two Los Angeles-area health care companies was sentenced today to 96 months in prison for his conviction stemming from a nine-year scheme to defraud Medicare, announced the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services.

February 10, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of California

Five Defendants Arrested For Medicare Fraud Scheme SAN FRANCISCO - Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services have arrested five defendants, including a medical doctor, for their participation in a fraud scheme involving more than $2.4 million in fraudulent Medicare billings, announced United States Attorney Melinda Haag; Stephanie Douglas, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in San Francisco; and Glenn R. Ferry, Special Agent in Charge for the Los Angeles Region's Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services. The defendants were arrested on Feb. 9, 2012, and made their initial appearances in federal court that same day.

February 10, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of South Dakota

Hudson Woman Charged with Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud and Health Care Fraud US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Hudson, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud and Health Care Fraud.

February 10, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Rhode Island

Nationwide Supplier of Medical Equipment Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Health Care Fraud, Money Laundering & Selling Adulterated and Misbranded Medical Devices PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Gary Winner, 50, of Northbrook, Ill., owner of Planned Eldercare, a nationwide supplier of durable medical equipment located in Buffalo Grove, Ill., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Providence to 37 months in federal prison for defrauding the Medicare program of more than $2.2 million, announced U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha.

February 9, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Maine

Former Portland Podiatrist Indicted on Drug and Health Care Fraud Charges Portland, Maine - United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced today that a federal grand jury sitting in Portland indicted John B. Perry, age 50, currently of Bridgton, Maine, on drug and health care fraud charges. Perry is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, one count of health care fraud, and forty-three counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.

February 9, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Former DME Company Owner Lands in Federal Prison HOUSTON - Bassey Essien, the former co-owner of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) companies Logic World Medical and Roben Medical in Houston, has been sentenced to 99 months in federal prison for defrauding the Texas Medicaid program, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today along with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. During sentencing this afternoon, U.S. District Judge Grey Miller explained that the Medicaid beneficiaries whose identities had been unlawfully used to defraud the government, were also to be considered victims of the scheme to defraud.

February 8, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Dava Pharmaceuticals to Pay U.S. $11 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Dava Pharmaceuticals Inc. has agreed to pay the United States $11 million to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by misreporting drug prices in order to reduce its Medicaid Drug Rebate obligations, the Justice Department announced today.

February 8, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Assistant Administrator of Houston Hospital Indicted for Alleged Role in $116 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - An assistant administrator of a Houston hospital was arrested today on charges related to his alleged participation in a $116 million Medicare fraud scheme involving false claims for mental health treatment, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

February 7, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Fourteen Hospitals to Pay U.S. More Than $12 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Related to Kyphoplasty Fourteen hospitals located in New York, Mississippi, North Carolina, Washington, Indiana, Missouri and Florida have agreed to pay the United States a total of more than $12 million to settle allegations that the health care facilities submitted false claims to Medicare, the Justice Department announced today.

February 7, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Michigan

United States Recovers $6 Million in Cash and Property From Troy Laboratories and Owners Who Defrauded Medicare on Laboratory Tests DETROIT - Three Troy laboratory companies will pay $6 million in cash and property to the U.S. government to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act, U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced today.

February 7, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Los Angeles Man Sentenced to 77 Months in Prison for Medicare Fraud Scheme Resulting in More Than $18.9 Million in Fraudulent Claims to Medicare WASHINGTON - A Los Angeles-area man was sentenced yesterday to 77 months in prison for organizing and leading a medical clinic fraud scheme that used the stolen identities of physicians to submit more than $18.9 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare, the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services announced.

February 7, 2012; Western District of North Carolina

Charlotte Woman Sentenced To 34 Months In Prison for Health Care Fraud CHARLOTTE, NC-A Charlotte woman was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court to serve 34 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for committing health care fraud, announced Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney also ordered Darlene Hughes, 53, of Charlotte, to pay total restitution in the amount of $194,436.61.

February 6, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Ohio

Owner and Employee of Columbus Pain Clinics Sentenced To 144 Months for Illegally Distributing Thousands of Pain Pills COLUMBUS - Danette M. Hawthorne, 49, of Columbus was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today to 144 months in prison for distributing prescriptions for the equivalent of more than 11,000 dosages of pain medicine without a legitimate medical need for the prescriptions and fraudulently billing a government insurance program for the drugs. Hawthorne owned two Columbus clinics, Trinity Medical Center, LLC, and Perspective Medical Solutions, Inc.

February 6, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Brownsville Mother and Daughter-In-Law Guilty in Health Care Fraud Scheme McALLEN, TX-Felicitas Velez Alanis, 51, and her daughter-in-law, Erika Ortega Alanis, 27, both of Brownsville, Texas, have entered pleas of guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today along with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.

February 6, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Louisiana Patient Recruiter Pleads Guilty in Health Care Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Baton Rouge, La.,-area resident pleaded guilty today for his role in a Medicare fraud scheme involving false claims for unnecessary durable medical equipment, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Louisiana State Attorney General's Office.

February 3, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Arkansas

Owner Of Former Little Rock Medical Equipment Business Sentenced For Health Care Fraud Little Rock - Christopher R. Thyer, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas and Mike Fields, Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Regional Office for the HHS Office of Inspector General announced today the sentencing of Archibong Edem-Effiong, age 58, of Houston, Texas. United States District Judge Brian S. Miller sentenced Edem-Effiong to 27 months imprisonment, two years supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $983,273.18. The sentencing follows Edem-Effiong's October 7, 2011 guilty plea to one count of health care fraud.

February 3, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Louisiana Medical Equipment Company Owner Pleads Guilty in $21 Million Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - An owner of multiple Baton Rouge medical equipment companies pleaded guilty today for her role in a Medicare fraud scheme involving false claims and illegal kickback payments for unnecessary durable medical equipment, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Louisiana State Attorney General's Office.

February 3, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

Pharmacy Owner Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Commit Health Care Fraud McALLEN, Texas - Sara Elicia Garza, 55, of Mission, Texas, has been convicted of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today along with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. Garza is a pharmacist and the owner and operator of Sara's Pharmacy and Gift Corner located in Mission.

February 2, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Rehabilitation Agency Owner in Detroit Found Guilty for Role in $2 Million Therapy Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - The owner of a rehabilitation agency in Dearborn, Mich., was convicted today by a federal jury in Detroit for his leading role in a fraudulent Medicare therapy scheme, announced the Department of Justice, FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

February 2, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

DME Business Owner Lands in Federal Prison for 10 Years for Health Care Fraud and Identity Theft Scheme McALLEN, Texas - Juan De Leon, 41, of Edinburg, Texas, and owner of United DME Inc. was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison, without parole, for his role in a health care fraud and identity theft scheme, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announced today.

February 1, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Alabama

Former Hospice Owner Sentenced for Health Care Fraud BIRMINGHAM-A federal judge today sentenced a Muscle Shoals man to 28 months in prison for taking part in a health care fraud totaling more than $3 million in connection to a hospice care program he operated, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance, FBI Special Agent in Charge Patrick Maley and Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Special Agent in Charge Derrick Jackson.

January 2012

January 31, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Patient Recruiter Pleads Guilty in Louisiana Health Care Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - An Atlanta resident pleaded guilty today for his role in a Louisiana-based Medicare fraud scheme involving fraudulent claims for unnecessary durable medical equipment, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Louisiana State Attorney General's Office.

January 31, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Middle District of Pennsylvania

Former Penn State Professor Charged in $3 Million Federal Research Grant Fraud The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a felony Information has been filed in United States District Court in Harrisburg against Craig Grimes, age 55, of Raleigh, North Carolina, charging him with wire fraud, false statements, and money laundering. During the time period alleged in the Information, Grimes resided in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, and was a Professor of Material Science and Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University.

January 31, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Fort Lauderdale, Florida-Area Halfway House Owner Sentenced to 28 Months in Prison for Participating in Medicare Fraud Kickback Scheme WASHINGTON - The owner and president of a Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-area halfway house company was sentenced today to 28 months in prison for her role in a kickback scheme that funneled patients to a fraudulent mental health provider, American Therapeutic Corporation, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

January 30, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of West Virginia

Man Sentenced To Six Years In Prison For Health Care Fraud Conspiracy CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Sargis Tadevosyan, 42, an Armenian citizen, was sentenced today to a total of six years in prison by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and aggravated identity theft. The Court sentenced the defendant to four years in prison for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud and a mandatory consecutive two-year prison sentence for aggravated identity theft. After a four-day trial in November, Tadevosyan was found guilty of the two felony counts that were linked to a health care fraud scheme that intended to defraud more than $4 million from Medicare.

January 27, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

McAllen Area Health Care Marketer Arrested For Conspiracy and Anti-Kickback Violations McALLEN, Texas - The owner of a purported health care resource center has been charged by a federal grand jury with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and two counts of soliciting and receiving kickback payments in violation of the federal anti-kickback statute, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

January 26, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Patient Recruiter Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison in Connection with $5.4 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Miami resident was sentenced in Detroit today to 30 months in prison for his participation in a $5.4 million Detroit-area Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, FBI and Department of Health and Human Services.

January 26, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Owner and Employee of Miami Home Health Company Plead Guilty in $22 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - The owner and an employee of a Miami health care agency pleaded guilty for their participation in a $22 million home health Medicare fraud scheme, the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services announced today.

January 26, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Texas

McAllen Area Health Insurance Agent Arrested in Mail Fraud/Identity Theft Scheme McALLEN, Texas - A McAllen area insurance agent has been indicted on multiple counts of mail fraud and aggravated identity theft arising from a scheme to defraud several private insurance companies offering Medicare Advantage plans and other insurance products, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

January 25, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of New York

Cayuga Medical Center Of Ithaca, New York Settles Whistleblower Health Care Lawsuit For $3.5 Million SYRACUSE, NEW YORK- United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian announced that his office has settled a False Claims Act matter involving allegations that Cayuga Medical Center of Ithaca, New York, submitted false claims to Medicare and Medicaid in connection with improper physician recruitment agreements entered into between Cayuga Medical Center and various medical practices. The State of New York also participated in the settlement. Under the terms of the agreement, Cayuga Medical Center agreed to pay a total sum of $3,576,056.00. Of that amount, the State of New York will receive $426,305.00, and federal health care programs will recover $3,149,751.00.

January 25, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Southern District of Ohio

Government Official Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Accepting Bribes CINCINNATI-David T. Mersch, 57, the former operations manager for the Cincinnati offices of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was sentenced to 48 months' imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release for accepting bribes from a construction company executive in exchange for awarding construction contracts to the company, California-based Entek Mechanical Corp.

January 24, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Rhode Island

Rhode Island Medical Equipment Sales Representative to Plead Guilty To Health Care Fraud PROVIDENCE, RI-A Woonsocket, R.I., woman who allegedly promised custom fit shoes for diabetics and medical equipment for arthritis sufferers "at no cost" to Medicare beneficiaries at Rhode Island senior centers, housing complexes and assisted living centers, has agreed to plead guilty to defrauding Medicare of more than $70,000, announced U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha.

January 24, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of Michigan

Nine Health Care Professionals, Including Five Doctors, Charged in Kickback Scheme GRAND RAPIDS, MI-U.S. Attorney Donald A. Davis and Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced today the federal indictment of eight individuals, including four licensed physicians and one licensed physician's assistant, for conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. Additionally, a state charge was filed against a Jackson, Michigan physician for allegedly accepting kickbacks to refer his patients to certain rehabilitation facilities. All eight federally charged defendants appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hugh W. Brenneman for an initial appearance on the charge, which carries a penalty of up to five years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and restitution.

January 24, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Middle District of Louisiana

Guilty Pleas In Health Care Fraud Case BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Donald J. Cazayoux, Jr. announced that Carla Clark, age 47, and Lillie Lavan, age 57, both of Pineville, Louisiana, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to counts of an indictment charging health care fraud.

January 24, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Miami-Area Nurse Pleads Guilty in $25 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - A Miami-area nurse pleaded guilty today for his participation in a $25 million home health Medicare fraud scheme, the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services announced today.

January 19, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

10 Individuals Arrested in Puerto Rico for Health Care Fraud SAN JUAN, P.R. - On January 12, 2012, a Federal grand jury returned two indictments against ten individuals for conspiracy to commit health care fraud, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The investigation was led by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), with the collaboration of the United States Secret Service (USSS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

• Related Photo: Office of Inspector General agents arresting one of ten suspects detained in Puerto Rico on Medicare Fraud charges

January 18, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Georgia

Owner of Doraville Medical Clinic Indicted for Health Care Fraud ATLANTA, GA - David Song Sen Cui, 43, of Duluth, Georgia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of health care fraud in operating the "Atlanta Hope Medical Group" which billed Medicare for doctor services never performed.

January 18, 2012; U.S. Attorney's Office

U.S. Attorney's Office Obtains Judgment Against Canyon Co. Psychiatrist for Medicare and Medicaid Fraud BOISE - U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced today that her office's Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit has prevailed in a lawsuit brought under the False Claims Act and obtained summary judgment in the amount of $93,556.26 against Canyon County psychiatrist Dr. Michael Applebaum. The government's civil lawsuit was brought under the False Claims Act

January 17, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Miami Resident Sentenced to Prison for Medicare Fraud A Miami-area resident, Adriana Mejia, 40, was sentenced to 35 months in prison for her role in laundering money for a $200 million Medicare fraud scheme.

January 12, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Owner and Patient Recruiter Sentenced to Prison for Roles in $4.7 Million Louisiana MedicareFraud Scheme WASHINGTON - An owner and a patient recruiter for a Louisiana durable medical equipment company were sentenced today to 60 and 55 months in prison, respectively, for their roles in a $4.7 million Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services, the FBI and the Louisiana State Attorney General's Office.

January 12, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Central District of California

Owner of Westlake Home Health Agency Pleads Guilty to Bilking Medicare out of over $5 Million in Health Care Fraud Scheme LOS ANGELES - A registered nurse who operated a home health agency based in Westlake has pleaded guilty to federal health care fraud charges in a $5 million Medicare fraud scheme involving kickbacks to doctors and patients who did not qualify for in-home health services.

January 12, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of California

Physician Sentenced To Eight Years in Federal Prison for Role in Massive Medicare Fraud Scam SACRAMENTO, Calif. - United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that Alexander Popov, 47, of Los Angeles, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. to eight years and one month in prison for committing health care fraud and conspiring to commit health care fraud. He was found guilty by a jury on July 8, 2011.

January 12, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Middle District of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg Ambulance Company, Owner and Employee Indicted on Federal Medicare Fraud Charges The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Harrisburg-based ambulance company, its owner, and a managerial employee have been indicted by a grand jury in Harrisburg on federal health care fraud charges.

January 11, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Maryland

Gambrills Podiatrist Sentenced To Over 4 Years in Prison for Fraudulently Billing Medicare over $1.1 Million Baltimore, Maryland - U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Larry Bernhard, age 56, a podiatrist who operated his business from his home in Gambrills, Maryland, today to 54 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for health care fraud and aggravated identity theft related to a scheme to fraudulently bill Medicare for more than $1.1 million. Judge Bredar also entered an order requiring Bernhard to pay restitution of $1,122,992.08.

January 11, 2012; U.S. Attorney; District of Idaho

Caldwell Optometrist Charged in Federal Indictment BOISE - Christopher Card, 59, of Caldwell, Idaho, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Boise for execution of a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Card is a licensed optometrist in the state of Idaho.

January 10, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Virginia

Alexandria Dentist Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud ALEXANDRIA, Va. -Tuan Vu, 43, of Annandale, Va., pleaded guilty today to fraudulently billing insurance providers hundreds of thousands of dollars for dental services that he did not provide to his patients.

January 10, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Ambulance Company Worker Pleads Guilty to Fraud Scheme PHILADELPHIA-Ivan Tkach, 30, of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty today to charges relating to a private ambulance company's involvement in a health care fraud scheme. Tkach admitted to giving false statements relating to health care and illegal remunerations relating to health care services.

January 9, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Los Angeles Church Pastor Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison for $14.2 Million Medicare
Fraud Scheme The pastor of a now defunct Los Angeles church who owned and operated several fraudulent durable medical equipment supply companies was sentenced today to 180 months in prison for his role in a $14.2 million Medicare fraud scheme, the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services announced.

January 9, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Broward County, Fla.-Area Halfway House Owner Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Kickback Scheme WASHINGTON - The owner and operator of a Broward County, Fla.-area halfway house pleaded guilty today for his role in a Medicare fraud kickback scheme that funneled patients through a fraudulent mental health company, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

January 6, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Eastern District of Michigan

U.S. Files $150 Million Complaint against Medical Imaging Company & Dr. Gwendolyn Washington for Kickbacks for Medicare Test Referrals & Inadequate Supervision of Radiology Tests DETROIT - The government has filed suit seeking $150 million in damages and penalties under the False Claims Act against Universal Imaging, Inc. and its current and former owners, Phillip J. Young and Mark Lauhoff, United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced today.

January 6, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Miami-Area Patient Recruiter Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Participating in Medicare Fraud Kickback Scheme WASHINGTON - The owner and president of a Miami-area transportation company was sentenced yesterday to 57 months in prison for her role in a Medicare fraud kickback scheme that funneled patients through a fraudulent mental health company, American Therapeutic Corporation, announced the Department of Justice, FBI and Department of Health and Human Services.

January 6, 2012; U.S. Attorney; Western District of Texas

Former Texas Pain Management Physician and Psychiatrist Sentenced To Federal Prison on Health Care Fraud Charges United States Attorney Robert Pitman announced that in El Paso today, 57-year-old Anthony Francis Valdez was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release in connection with an estimated $42 million fraudulent health care benefit program billing scheme. Valdez, a former physician, was the owner of the Institute of Pain Management with clinics in El Paso and San Antonio.

January 5, 2012; U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida

Sarasota County Woman Sentenced for Health Care Fraud Tampa, Florida - U.S. Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces that Senior U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew today sentenced Mira Matchin (58, Sarasota) to 18 months in federal prison for health care fraud. As part of her sentence, the court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $723,000, the proceeds of the scheme orchestrated by Matchin. Matchin pleaded guilty on October 28, 2011.

January 5, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Home Health Agency Owner Pleads Guilty in Connection with Detroit Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - Detroit-area resident Tausif Rahman pleaded guilty today for his role in organizing a $14 million Detroit-area home health care fraud and money laundering scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.

January 5, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

Office Manager for Miami Home Health Company Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison for Role in $25 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme WASHINGTON - An office manager for a Miami home health care agency was sentenced today to 78 months in prison for her participation in a $25 million home health Medicare fraud scheme, announced the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services. Two of her co-defendants were also sentenced to prison today for their roles in the fraud scheme.

January 3, 2012; U.S. Department of Justice

US Files Complaint Against National Chain of Hospice Providers Alleging False Claims on the Medicare Program WASHINGTON - The United States has intervened and filed a complaint in a whistleblower suit against AseraCare Hospice, the Justice Department announced today. Golden Gate Ancillary LLC, dba AseraCare Hospice, is a for-profit business with approximately 65 hospice providers in 19 states, including Alabama, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.