Kristina Hansel Pleads Guilty to Medicaid Fraud in Topeka

Kristina Hansel, 45, of Topeka, Kan., has admitted to orchestrating a Medicaid fraud scheme that preyed on some of the state’s most vulnerable—developmentally disabled adults. Hansel pleaded guilty Nov. 28 in federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, admitting she systematically billed Medicaid for services never rendered through her now-defunct company, Achieve Services, LLC.

Hansel owned and operated Achieve Services, a state-licensed provider of day and residential care for developmentally disabled adults. But instead of delivering care, prosecutors say she delivered lies. In her plea, Hansel admitted to submitting false documentation—or no documentation at all—while billing Medicaid for non-existent services. She also falsified records to obtain and renew her business license, all while failing to employ required medical personnel.

The fraud went beyond paperwork. Hansel admitted she failed to hire a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse, leaving patients without essential medical oversight. Even more disturbing, she acknowledged in court that she withheld medical treatment from at least one patient and directed staff to conceal medication overdoses—actions that endangered lives to protect her operation from scrutiny.

Investigators uncovered a pattern of deception stretching over multiple years. Medicaid payments flowed into Achieve Services while basic standards of care were ignored. State and federal authorities say the scheme resulted in over $480,000 in false claims. Hansel’s manipulation of the system didn’t just defraud taxpayers—it betrayed the trust of patients and families relying on legitimate care.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 17, 2017. Under a plea agreement, prosecutors and defense attorneys will jointly recommend a 30-month federal prison sentence and restitution exceeding $480,000. The court will determine the final judgment, but the recommendation signals the severity with which authorities are treating the betrayal of a public health program.

The case was jointly investigated by federal and state law enforcement, with prosecution led by the Kansas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Division. Assistant Attorney General Stefani Hepford, of Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office, handled the case. U.S. Attorney Tom Beall confirmed the federal charges, underscoring the multi-agency effort to root out abuse of taxpayer-funded health programs.