OKLAHOMA CITY – A chiropractor and a daycare provider in Oklahoma City are facing federal charges as part of a nationwide takedown announced today, targeting over $2.75 billion in fraudulent healthcare claims and opioid abuse schemes. The Justice Department’s 2024 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action has resulted in charges against 193 individuals across the country, with three cases originating in the Western District of Oklahoma.
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester announced the indictments, emphasizing the Department’s commitment to protecting vital federal programs. “We must protect these federal programs which provide vital funding to our society’s most vulnerable,” Troester stated. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland added a stark warning: “It does not matter if you are a trafficker in a drug cartel or a corporate executive or medical professional employed by a health care company, if you profit from the unlawful distribution of controlled substances, you will be held accountable.”
Dr. Dustin York, 39, and Vincent Carter, 39, both of Oklahoma City, are accused of running a massive fraud scheme through their Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplier, Discover DME. According to the indictment, York, a licensed chiropractor, and Carter allegedly purchased doctors’ orders and paid kickbacks to telemarketing companies to secure referrals. They then submitted over $4.8 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, pocketing over $1.1 million. They are charged with health care fraud and conspiracy to pay kickbacks. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Snyder and D.H. Dilbeck are prosecuting the case.
The second indictment targets Priscilla Orange, 66, of Oklahoma City, who operated a daycare center serving low-income children. Orange allegedly applied for and received approximately $494,000 in federal funds from the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services, as well as the Small Business Administration. The indictment claims she then misused the funds for personal expenses and obstructed a federal audit of her spending. She faces charges of obstruction of a federal audit, federal program theft, and making false statements to the SBA. Assistant U.S. Attorney D.H. Dilbeck is handling this prosecution.
HHS-OIG Inspector General Christi A. Grimm underscored the severity of the crimes. “We will not tolerate fraud that preys on patients who need and deserve high quality health care,” Grimm said. “The hard work of the HHS-OIG team and our outstanding law enforcement partners makes today’s action possible.” The nationwide effort aims to send a clear message that exploiting government programs for personal gain will be met with swift and decisive legal action.
These charges are the result of a coordinated two-week law enforcement action. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are promising continued vigilance in rooting out fraud and protecting taxpayer dollars. A complaint, information, or indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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