Donald A. Hochhalter, Making False Statements to Medicaid, North Dakota 2014

BISMARCK – A New Leipzig man was sentenced to six months of probation after making false statements to obtain Medicaid benefits for his mother, according to a report from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in North Dakota.

Donald A. Hochhalter, 65, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland on April 28, 2014, for making false statements or representations in a matter involving Medicaid. Hochhalter had pled guilty to the charge, a misdemeanor, on January 16, 2014.

“Medicaid is designed to help those in need. Because it is funded by a combination of federal and state funds, it is in everyone’s interest to prevent fraud and abuse of the system. Here, state and federal law enforcement worked together to help safeguard Medicaid and to send the message that making misrepresentations to obtain government benefits is a crime, will be prosecuted, and has serious consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon.

The investigation found that Hochhalter completed and signed a North Dakota Department of Human Services Application for Assistance for Medicaid on behalf of his mother on February 12, 2009. In the application, Hochhalter falsely understated the value of assets his mother owned so that she would be eligible to receive Medicaid benefits.

Hochhalter was ordered to pay a $25 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund and has already paid full restitution in the amount $36,995, which is being returned to the State of North Dakota and the United States Treasury. He was also required to pay an additional $37,121 to settle claims under the federal False Claims Act, which calls for up to triple damages, plus monetary penalties, from a person who makes misrepresentations to the government in order to receive federal money or benefits.

The case was investigated by the North Dakota Department of Human Services and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Greenley prosecuted the criminal case and Assistant United States Attorney James Patrick Thomas handled the civil matter.

Hochhalter’s sentence serves as a reminder that making false statements to obtain government benefits is a serious crime with serious consequences. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with state and federal law enforcement to protect the integrity of government programs and hold those who commit fraud accountable.

Related Federal Cases