Daniel Geary, False Statement related to Health Care Matters, Illinois 2013

A shocking case of Medicaid fraud has come to light in Illinois. Daniel Geary, a 39-year-old personal assistant from Caseyville, IL, has been sentenced for making a false statement related to health care matters.

The crime took place on February 16 through March 15, 2012, when Geary reported performing 44.5 hours of personal assistant work for his beneficiary, Cynthia Harmon. However, it was discovered that Harmon was actually incarcerated in the St. Louis County jail during that time, rendering the services unperformed.

Geary, who was confined in county jail for four months prior to sentencing, was sentenced to time served, three years of supervised release, a special assessment of $100, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $420 to the State of Illinois and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

This is not the only person involved in the case. Cynthia Harmon, the beneficiary, was also sentenced to time served, two years of supervised release, a special assessment of $100, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $420.

The case was investigated by agents of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the Illinois State Police, Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau (MFCB). Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Jude Quinley prosecuted the case.

The Medicaid Home Services Program, a Medicaid Waiver Program, is intended to prevent the unnecessary institutionalization of Medicaid beneficiaries who may be satisfactorily maintained at home. However, in this case, Geary and Harmon took advantage of the system for personal gain.

The outcome of this case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in the healthcare system. Both Geary and Harmon were held accountable for their actions, and the victims of their crimes will receive the restitution they deserve.

Related Federal Cases