Youngstown Ambulette Operator Hit with $406K Fraud Rap

YOUNGSTOWN, OH – Rolando Sepulveda, 51, is facing seven federal counts of health care fraud, accused of systematically stealing $406,000 from Ohio’s Medicaid program. The indictment, unsealed today, alleges Sepulveda ran a deceptive scheme through his ambulette company, Med Transportation, operating in the Youngstown area. Authorities believe Sepulveda is currently residing in Puerto Rico, attempting to evade justice.

According to the indictment, between August 2008 and August 2011, Sepulveda allegedly billed Medicaid for transportation services that never happened, or were falsely inflated. Specifically, he’s charged with claiming reimbursement for rides given to patients who didn’t require – or even use – wheelchairs, a key requirement for ambulette service coverage. He also allegedly billed for ambulette attendants who were never present during the transports.

“This money should have gone to help those who were sick and truly needed transportation,” stated Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. The sentiment was echoed by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, who added, “That is a huge amount of money that could have been spent on patients who legitimately needed help. Instead, this man took that money for himself.”

Ambulette services, contracted through Ohio Medicaid, provide transportation for patients in specially equipped vans for wheelchair users. Medicaid reimbursement is contingent on three critical factors: the patient’s need for a wheelchair, a doctor’s certification of that need, and the ambulette meeting strict safety standards. Sepulveda is accused of flagrantly disregarding all three. The indictment details a scheme to defraud Medicaid of approximately $406,000.00 by falsifying records and submitting fraudulent claims.

The investigation was a joint effort between Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Office of the Inspector General, United States Department of Health and Human Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea S. Rice and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Constance Nearhood, an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Ohio, are prosecuting the case. If convicted, Sepulveda’s sentence will be determined by the court, considering federal sentencing guidelines, his criminal history (if any), his role in the offenses, and the specific details of the violations.

It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an accusation. Sepulveda is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. He is entitled to a full and fair trial, where the government bears the burden of proof. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available.