Four Charged in $1 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme in Massachusetts
In a brazen scheme to defraud health insurance companies, four individuals have been charged with submitting false claims seeking reimbursement for over $1 million in bogus medical expenses. The charges range from conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud to healthcare fraud itself, with penalties that could land the defendants in prison for up to 10 years.
At the center of the scheme is Henry Ezeonyido, 36, of Brockton, Massachusetts, who has been indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and six counts of healthcare fraud. According to the charging documents, Ezeonyido allegedly submitted fraudulent health insurance claims on his own behalf and on behalf of others, including Brendon Ashe, 40, of Dorchester, Massachusetts; Darline Cobbler, 40, of Randolph, Massachusetts; and Ariel Lambert, 34, of Brooklyn, New York.
The defendants allegedly claimed to have received expensive medical treatment while traveling overseas, including fake traumatic injuries such as stabbings, gunshot wounds, and hit-and-run car accidents. To support their claims, they submitted fabricated documents, including medical records, bank records, and police reports.
As a result of these fraudulent claims, various health insurance companies were allegedly billed over $1 million for services that were never provided. According to the charging documents, upon receiving payments from the health insurance companies, the defendants allegedly paid a portion of the proceeds to Ezeonyido and other co-conspirators.
The charges of healthcare fraud and conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud each carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division; and Insurance Fraud Bureau Executive Director Anthony DiPaolo made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Wright of the Health Care Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. Ezeonyido is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case highlights the importance of vigilance in preventing healthcare fraud and the need for cooperation between law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible to justice.
In a statement, Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy said, ‘The charges filed today demonstrate our commitment to protecting the integrity of our healthcare system and ensuring that those who seek to defraud it are held accountable.’
Related Federal Cases
- John McClure and Sarah Chambers Sentenced for Contractor Fraud Sche… · Washington
- Elaine Monique Zavala-Charres, $260K IRS Mail Fraud, NY, 2023 · Massachusetts
- Ambulai R. Sheku, Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, Theft of Governm… · Washington
- Robert Evans, Stolen Identity Refund Fraud, MA, 2023 · New York
- Robert Plunkett Charged with Tax Fraud, Orlando FL, 2023 · Florida
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News