In a significant case of Medicaid fraud, a Charlotte man has been sentenced to 16+ years in prison. Donald Booker, 57, was found guilty of being involved in a scheme to defraud the North Carolina Medicaid program of over $11 million. Along with the prison term, Booker has been ordered to pay restitution of $11,834,506.27 to the North Carolina Medicaid program and a $1,000 special assessment. Booker’s co-defendant, Delores Jordan, 55, pleaded guilty in December 2022 for her role in the fraudulent scheme. This case highlights the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina in combating schemes that deprive government programs of resources and exploit those in need.
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Overview of the Case
In a recent case involving Medicaid fraud, Donald Booker, a 57-year-old man from Charlotte, has been sentenced to 16+ years in prison. This sentencing comes after Booker’s role in a scheme to defraud the North Carolina Medicaid program of over $11 million. The case was heard by U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell, who also ordered Booker to pay restitution to the Medicaid program and a special assessment fee.
Sentencing Details
Donald Booker has been sentenced to 200 months in prison for his involvement in the fraudulent scheme. In addition to the prison term, he has been ordered to pay $11,834,506.27 in restitution to the North Carolina Medicaid program and a $1,000 special assessment fee.
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Defendant’s Role in the Fraudulent Scheme
Booker played a significant role in the fraudulent scheme aimed at defrauding the North Carolina Medicaid program. He owned United Diagnostic Laboratories (UDL), a urine toxicology testing laboratory, as well as United Youth Care Services (UYCS), a company that provided mental health and substance abuse treatment services. Evidence presented during the trial showed that Booker and his co-conspirators executed a conspiracy to defraud the Medicaid program by paying illegal kickbacks in exchange for urine samples from Medicaid-eligible beneficiaries.
Co-Defendant’s Plea and Guilty Plea
Delores Jordan, Booker’s co-defendant, pleaded guilty for her involvement in the fraudulent scheme on December 9, 2022. Jordan, who is 55 years old and from Louisville, Kentucky, admitted to her role in the conspiracy. She owned Legacy Housing, a housing provider, and participated in recruiting housing-vulnerable individuals and other Medicaid-eligible beneficiaries for housing and other programs and services. Jordan is awaiting sentencing.
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Announcement by U.S. Attorney and Other Officials
The sentencing of Donald Booker was announced by Dena J. King, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. The announcement was made jointly with Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in North Carolina, Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), Charlotte Field Office, and North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein.
Importance of Medicaid
Medicaid is a government-funded program that provides medical services to qualified individuals in need of assistance. It is aimed at helping the most vulnerable people in our communities access the healthcare they require. However, cases of Medicaid fraud, such as the one involving Donald Booker, undermine the integrity of the program and divert significant resources away from those who genuinely need them.
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Fraudulent Scheme and its Impact on Medicaid Program
The fraudulent scheme executed by Booker and his co-conspirators had a substantial impact on the Medicaid program. Through illegal kickbacks and medically unnecessary urine drug testing, they defrauded the North Carolina Medicaid program of over $11 million. This diverted funds that could have been used to provide essential healthcare services to those who truly needed them.
Role of FBI and IRS-CI in the Investigation
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) played crucial roles in the investigation of the fraudulent scheme. Their diligent work, in collaboration with other federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, resulted in the successful uncovering of the scheme and the prosecution of the perpetrators. This demonstrates the commitment of these agencies to combating Medicaid fraud and upholding the integrity of the program.
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Role of North Carolina Attorney General Stein
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, who oversees the North Carolina Medicaid Investigations Division (MID), played a significant role in this case. The MID works closely with state and federal partners to investigate and hold accountable individuals who commit Medicaid fraud. By working collaboratively, they strive to protect the Medicaid program and ensure that taxpayer funds are appropriately used to provide healthcare services.
Contact Information for U.S. Attorneys in Western District of North Carolina
For more information regarding this case or any other inquiries related to the Western District of North Carolina, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at the following:
- Phone: (704) 344-6222 (Charlotte)
- Phone: (828) 271-4661 (Asheville)
- Email: USAO-WDNC Charlotte
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to serving the community and upholding justice in the Western District of North Carolina.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Donald Booker for his role in a Medicaid fraud scheme highlights the seriousness of such crimes. Medicaid is an essential program that provides crucial healthcare services to those in need, and any attempt to defraud it undermines its integrity. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and officials, such as the FBI, IRS-CI, and North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, are crucial in uncovering and prosecuting individuals involved in Medicaid fraud. By holding individuals accountable, the aim is to deter future fraud and protect the resources of the Medicaid program, ensuring they reach those who require them the most.
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Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc/pr/charlotte-man-sentenced-16-years-prison-medicaid-fraud