Patricia A. Hoehn, Medicaid Fraud, Missouri 2015

Patricia A. Hoehn, a licensed pharmacist from Farmington, Missouri, has been convicted of three Medicaid fraud charges. On July 13, 2015, she will face sentencing for falsifying prescriptions for children, claiming they were prescribed by a licensed medical doctor when, in fact, no such prescription was given.

The investigation, which involved the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Mineral Area Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Office of Inspector General for the United States Department of Health & Human Services, revealed that Hoehn used three prescriptions that falsely stated and represented to Medicaid that a licensed medical doctor had prescribed a cough syrup containing hydrocodone, a narcotic opioid pain medication, to three children. The prescriptions were false because no licensed medical doctor had actually prescribed the drugs to these three children on these three dates, and Hoehn knew that the children were not actually receiving these drugs.

Furthermore, Hoehn admitted to destroying her cellular telephone by striking it and placing it in a toilet to prevent law enforcement officers from recovering the telephone and searching it for text messages regarding these false prescriptions.

The charges against Hoehn carry penalties of up to five years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. The Court can also order restitution to be paid to the Missouri Medicaid program. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

Hoehn entered her plea before United States District Judge Carol E. Jackson in St. Louis. The investigation was a collaborative effort between multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Missouri Attorney General's Office and the St. Francois County Prosecutor's Office.

The case highlights the importance of accountability in the medical field and the need for stringent measures to prevent and detect Medicaid fraud. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Patricia A. Hoehn's conviction serves as a reminder that those who engage in Medicaid fraud will be held accountable for their actions.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/farmington-missouri-pharmacist-pleads-guilty-three-medicaid-fraud-charges