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Abbas Zahedi, 49, a chiropractor, and Reginald Guy, 44, a former union representative, convicted of health care fraud
FORT WORTH, Texas — A federal jury has convicted Dr. Abbas Zahedi of Carrolton, Texas, and Reginald Guy of Arlington, Texas, on all counts of a superseding indictment charging each with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, five counts of health care fraud and four counts of aggravated identity theft.
The scheme unfolded from 2009 to 2012, when Dr. Zahedi and Guy, along with four coconspirators, James Sterns, Tina Perkins, Donna Harris, and Gregory Wattron, conspired to submit health insurance claims to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBS) and other insurers for services not rendered.
Guy used his role as a union representative to recruit and refer his co-workers to Metroplex, where they agreed to allow their insurance company to be billed for services they did not receive. The victims received monthly kickbacks, work excuse notes, and prizes for their participation.
The conspirators were investigated by the FBI and the Office of Personnel Management – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Brasher are prosecuting the case.
Dr. Zahedi and Guy face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the substantive health care fraud counts. Each count of aggravated identity theft carries a maximum statutory penalty of two years. They are scheduled to be sentenced on November 17, 2014.
The case is a stark reminder of the importance of healthcare fraud prevention and the consequences of those who engage in such activities. The federal government will continue to work tirelessly to protect Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries from such schemes.
Defendant Information:
Defendant Name: Dr. Abbas Zahedi, Reginald Guy
City and State: Carrolton, Texas, Arlington, Texas
Criminal Charges: One count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, five counts of health care fraud, four counts of aggravated identity theft
Exact Date: The superseding indictment was filed on an unknown date, but the trial took place from September 15, 2014, to September 18, 2014.
Sentence or Outcome: Dr. Zahedi and Guy were convicted on September 18, 2014, and are scheduled to be sentenced on November 17, 2014.
Dollar Amounts:
$250,000 fine for each of the substantive health care fraud counts
2 years for each count of aggravated identity theft
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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