The Grimy Times has learned that Oliver W. Herndon, a 43-year-old resident of Washington County, has pleaded guilty to a charge of health care fraud in federal court, announced United States Attorney David J. Hickton. Herndon, the former medical director for Horizons Hospice, LLC, defrauded Medicare and Medicaid by falsely certifying that patients were appropriate for hospice care.
Herndon’s guilty plea was entered before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab. The court was informed of the scheme, which was uncovered during a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and the Medicaid Fraud Control Section of the Office of Attorney General.
Hospice care is a specialized type of care provided to patients with terminal illnesses. To qualify for this type of care, patients typically must have a life expectancy of six months or less. Herndon’s scheme involved falsifying patient records to make it appear as though they met these qualifications, thereby allowing Horizons Hospice to bilk Medicare and Medicaid out of millions of dollars.
Herndon’s sentencing is scheduled for July 14, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar and Senior Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Baxter are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. Herndon’s guilty plea marks a significant victory for law enforcement and the taxpayers who fund these programs.
Herndon’s scheme is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in the healthcare industry. As a medical director, he had a position of trust and responsibility, and his actions were a betrayal of that trust. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
The investigation and prosecution of Herndon’s case serve as a warning to those who would seek to exploit the healthcare system for their own gain. The Grimy Times will continue to shine a light on corruption and abuse in all its forms, and we will not rest until justice is served.
In related news, the Grimy Times has learned that Herndon’s actions may have had a ripple effect on the patients who were affected by his scheme. Many of these patients may have been denied necessary care or treatment as a result of Herndon’s actions. The Grimy Times will continue to investigate this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: White Collar Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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