Brent Anthony Silva, Conspiracy, Louisiana 2023

Brent Anthony Silva Charged in Covington Healthcare Scam

Grimy Times has learned that Brent Anthony Silva, a 52-year-old accountant from Covington, Louisiana, has been charged with conspiracy to make false statements and representations in connection with a multiple employer welfare arrangement. According to the U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans, Silva was hired by the owners of Total Financial Group (TTFG) in about 2013 and performed numerous functions, including preparing the federal and state income tax returns for TTFG and its owners.

As part of the scheme, TTFG created and marketed a Medical Reimbursement Account program called “Classic 105”. The program claimed to be a multiple employer welfare arrangement that was marketed to employers as a supplemental benefits plan for their employees to reimburse for medical expenses such as co-pays and deductibles. However, the investigation found that TTFG never obtained a single loan or insurance policy for the Classic 105 program, and participants never made any actual contributions.

The charges against Silva allege that he knowingly caused false statements to be made to employer-clients and employee-participants about the financial condition, solvency, and benefits provided by Classic 105 during the marketing and sale of the program. If convicted, Silva faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.

At its peak, the Classic 105 program had over 350 employers and 4,400 employees enrolled nationwide. The scheme was uncovered by the Labor Department's Employee Benefits Security Administration, which is committed to protecting the rights of workers and retirees.

Brent Anthony Silva is currently facing the charges, and his lawyer has not commented on the case. The investigation is ongoing, and it is unclear if any other individuals or entities will be charged in connection with the scheme.

The case highlights the importance of protecting the integrity of the healthcare system and ensuring that individuals and employers are not deceived by false promises of benefits and savings.

Grimy Times will continue to monitor the case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/accountant-charged-conspiracy-his-role-operation-covington-business-running-medical