News Summary
Federal and state authorities have charged over a dozen individuals in North and South Carolina as part of a major healthcare fraud operation. This nationwide sweep has resulted in 324 defendants being charged across various states, with significant allegations against medical professionals and businesses for defrauding Medicaid and Medicare. Notable cases include a former addiction specialist accused of submitting $1.9 million in fraudulent claims and others implicated in schemes that cost taxpayers millions. The operation underscores the continued efforts to combat healthcare fraud and ensure accountability in the healthcare system.
CHARLOTTE, NC – Federal and state authorities announced that charges were filed against over a dozen individuals in North and South Carolina as part of an extensive healthcare fraud crackdown that is being described as one of the largest in U.S. history. The operation, which is part of a nationwide sweep, has seen a total of 324 defendants charged across various states.
The crackdown specifically targeted a wide range of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and business owners. These individuals are accused of perpetrating schemes designed to defraud Medicaid, Medicare, and other public health programs. This action comes in the wake of a significant two-year investigation by national authorities.
Among the notable cases is that of Crystal Jackson, a former licensed addiction specialist based in Charlotte. Jackson is accused of submitting an astonishing $1.9 million in fraudulent claims for drug testing and therapy services through her company, Jackson Consulting Services, with the North Carolina Medicaid program disbursing approximately $1.6 million for these claims.
Additionally, three individuals associated with Life Touch, LLC in the Eastern District of North Carolina—Kimberly Sims, Francine Super, and Keke Johnson—are charged with allegedly incentivizing patients with gift cards to retain their services. Their actions reportedly resulted in over $25 million in dubious Medicaid payments.
Randal Wood, a Florida resident, faces charges regarding a durable medical equipment scam involving more than $39 million in improper Medicare payments. He allegedly worked with marketers who waived copays and pressured physicians to engage in fraudulent billing practices. Meanwhile, Donald Saunders from Charlotte is implicated in leading a fraud ring that allegedly conned Medicaid out of $21 million by providing fictitious behavioral health services, alongside Vanessa Boatright, Latarsa Hitchcock, and Cynthia Harris.
Tina Armstrong, 67, from Florence, South Carolina, is facing accusations of submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for medical equipment that was reportedly either never delivered or no longer required. The total of these misleading claims amounts to over $100,000.
Another concerning case involves Dee Moton from Aiken, South Carolina, who is alleged to have defrauded the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) out of over $2.3 million by billing for fictitious therapy services, including inappropriate treatments for veterans. Latisha Massey from Greer, South Carolina, was also indicted for allegedly stealing money from a vulnerable resident at a healthcare facility where she was employed.
As part of this operation, national authorities have seized assets totaling $245 million, which includes cash, luxury vehicles, and cryptocurrency. Furthermore, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reported stopping over $4 billion in payments linked to fraudulent claims and revoked billing privileges for 205 providers in recent months.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office noted that this two-year investigation has led to significant civil enforcement actions, resulting in almost $5 million in settlements connected to allegations under the False Claims Act.
These significant legal actions underline the ongoing efforts by federal and state authorities to combat healthcare fraud and protect taxpayer dollars allocated for essential health services. The crackdown illustrates a commitment to ensuring accountability within the healthcare system, especially amidst rising concerns about fraudulent practices impacting vulnerable populations and public health programs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Eight Charged in $21 Million Medicaid Fraud Scheme
Nationwide Healthcare Fraud Crackdown in Carolinas
Republicans Consider Medicare Cuts to Fund Domestic Agenda
Trump Questions Medicaid Cuts as House Republicans Push for Changes
Proposed Medicaid Cuts Spark Worries for Families in Charlotte
Additional Resources
- WBTV: Multiple North and South Carolina Residents Arrested in Alleged Healthcare Fraud Bust
- Charlotte Observer: Crime Article on Healthcare Fraud
- QC News: Announcement on Major Healthcare Fraud Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Healthcare Fraud
- Google Search: Health Fraud North South Carolina
Author: HERE Charlotte
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