In a recent case of Medicaid fraud, a Great Falls man has been fined $70,000 for an elaborate scheme to deceive the government healthcare program. Dustin Tempel, 39, admitted to intentionally misrepresenting his income in order to receive over $75,000 in Medicaid benefits. As a result, Tempel has been sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay $75,493 in restitution. The investigation into Tempel’s fraudulent activities began while looking into his mother’s involvement in an unrelated construction fraud case. It was discovered that Tempel had underreported his income by more than $300,000 over a five-year period and had subsequently applied for Medicaid, further misstating his income. This case serves as a reminder of the rigor with which the government pursues and prosecutes those who seek to defraud public assistance programs.
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Title
Great Falls man fined $70,000 for Medicaid fraud scheme
Summary
A Great Falls man has been fined $70,000 and sentenced to three years of probation for lying about his income in order to receive Medicaid benefits. He has also been ordered to pay $75,493 in restitution. His mother, who was involved in a separate fraud scheme, has also been convicted. Medicaid is a federal health care benefit program that provides coverage to low-income individuals.
Background
Introduction to the case
The case involves a Great Falls man who has been fined for fraudulent activity related to Medicaid benefits. He admitted to lying about his income in order to receive these benefits.
Role of the U.S. Attorney’s Office
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes, including cases of fraud. They played a key role in bringing this case to justice.
Investigation by the FBI
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted an investigation into the fraudulent activity, gathering evidence and building a case against the individuals involved.
Details of the Case
Admission of guilt and plea
The Great Falls man admitted to his involvement in the fraud scheme and pleaded guilty to health care fraud.
Sentencing and fine
He was sentenced to three years of probation and fined $70,000 for his fraudulent actions.
Probation period
The probation period will require the man to adhere to certain conditions and restrictions set by the court.
Restitution order
In addition to the fine, he has been ordered to pay $75,493 in restitution to Medicaid for the benefits he fraudulently received.
Underreporting of income
During the investigation, it was revealed that the man had underreported his income by over $300,000 during a five-year period.
Application for Medicaid
While underreporting his income, the man applied for Medicaid benefits, further misrepresenting his financial situation.
Amount received from Medicaid
As a result of his fraudulent actions, the man received $75,493 from Medicaid that he was not entitled to receive between 2017 and 2020.
Purpose and eligibility of Medicaid program
Medicaid is a federal health care benefit program aimed at providing coverage to low-income individuals, including adults, children, pregnant women, and elderly adults with disabilities.
Involvement of Lynn Temple
Lynn Temple’s role and occupation
Lynn Temple, the man’s mother, was the finance manager for William Temple Construction. She was involved in a separate fraud scheme related to inflating construction costs.
Sentence and restitution order for Lynn Temple
Lynn Temple was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $415,221 in restitution for her involvement in wire fraud.
Connection between Lynn Temple’s case and Dustin Temple’s case
During the investigation into Lynn Temple’s fraudulent activities, it was discovered that her son, Dustin Temple, had also engaged in fraudulent behavior related to Medicaid benefits.
Prosecution and Investigation
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case, presenting evidence and arguing for appropriate sentencing.
The role of the FBI in the investigation
The FBI conducted an investigation into the fraudulent activities of both Lynn Temple and Dustin Temple, gathering evidence and assisting in the prosecution.
Contact Information
Clair J. Howard – Public Affairs Officer
Phone: 406-247-4623 Email: Clair.Howard@usdoj.gov
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District of Montana
Billings Main Office
Address: 2601 2nd Ave N. Suite 3200 Billings, MT 59101 Phone: (406) 657-6101 Toll free: (800) 291-6108 Fax Line: (406) 657-6989
In November 2023, a Great Falls man was fined $70,000 for his involvement in a Medicaid fraud scheme. The man, Dustin Tempel, had admitted to lying about his income in order to receive over $75,000 in Medicaid benefits. In addition to the fine, Tempel was sentenced to three years of probation by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris. He was also ordered to pay $75,493 in restitution to Medicaid for the benefits he fraudulently received from 2017 to 2020.
The case against Tempel was brought forward by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Montana, which is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes. The office played a crucial role in investigating and prosecuting Tempel’s fraudulent activities. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which gathered evidence and built a strong case against Tempel.
During the investigation into Tempel’s case, it was discovered that his mother, Lynn Temple, was involved in a separate fraud scheme. Lynn Temple, who was the finance manager for William Tempel Construction, was convicted of wire fraud and sentenced to 14 months in federal prison. She was also ordered to pay $415,221 in restitution. The connection between Lynn Temple’s case and Dustin Temple’s case was established during the investigation, revealing that both individuals had engaged in fraudulent behavior.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case against Tempel, presenting the evidence and arguing for appropriate sentencing. The FBI’s involvement in the investigation was crucial in gathering the necessary evidence and assisting in the prosecution.
For further information or inquiries, individuals can contact Clair J. Howard, the Public Affairs Officer, at 406-247-4623 or Clair.Howard@usdoj.gov.
This case is just one of many instances of fraud and financial crimes that have been prosecuted in the District of Montana. Other notable cases include a student loan fraud scheme that resulted in a Cascade woman being sentenced to a year and a half in prison, an interior designer in Whitefish defrauding customers of approximately $900,000, and a man from Billings being sent to prison for more than three years for bank fraud and stolen identities.
For any inquiries or assistance, individuals can contact the Billings Main Office of the District of Montana at 2601 2nd Ave N. Suite 3200 Billings, MT 59101. The office can be reached at (406) 657-6101 or toll-free at (800) 291-6108. The fax line is (406) 657-6989.
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