HOUSTON, TEXAS – Rebecca Lee Rabon, a 44-year-old speech therapist and owner of Rabon Communication Enhancement (RCE), has been charged with orchestrating a massive health care fraud scheme in Houston, Texas.
According to a 44-count indictment, Rabon, along with her 31-year-old office manager, Tiffany Nicole Thompson, allegedly conspired to commit health care fraud, filed false claims for speech therapy and swallowing therapy services, and even stole the identities of two individuals.
The indictment alleges that Rabon and Thompson fraudulently billed TRICARE and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas approximately $3,784,642 for services that were not provided to patients. Of that amount, approximately $1,285,827.67 was paid on the fraudulent claims.
Rabon and Thompson also allegedly submitted false claims for themselves and three employees of RCE for services that were not provided. If convicted, they face up to 10 years in federal prison for each of the conspiracy to commit health care fraud and 36 substantive health care fraud charges. Rabon, who is also charged with five counts of mail fraud, faces up to 20 years in prison on each of those charges.
Additionally, if convicted of either of the two counts of aggravated identity theft, each faces an additional two-year term, which must be served consecutively to any sentence for the underlying offenses. There is also a possibility of up to a $250,000 fine for conviction of any of the offenses.
Rabon was released on bond after making her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Frances Stacy on January 30, 2014. Thompson turned herself in to federal authorities and is expected to appear before Judge Stacy at 2:00 p.m. today.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
The case was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), and Assistant United States Attorney Julie Redlinger is prosecuting.
Related Federal Cases
- Cathy Harvill and William Harvill, Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud, Texas 2014 · Kansas
- Jason Jarin, Medicaid Fraud and Illicit Transition Procedures, Texas 2023 · Texas
- Joshua Hippler, Wrongful Disclosure of Individually Identifiable Health Information, Texas 2014 · Texas
- Jose Antonio Caballero, Mortgage Fraud Scheme, Texas 2011 · Texas
- Shannon Tecoko Mays, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Texas 2012 · Kansas
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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