NEW ORLEANS, LA – Four individuals in Louisiana are facing federal charges as part of a massive, nationwide health care fraud takedown that has ensnared 324 defendants and tallied over $14.6 billion in fraudulent billings. The bust, announced today by Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson, highlights a relentless wave of scams targeting Medicare and other vital government programs.
The Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown isn’t just about numbers; it’s about brazen theft from programs designed to protect the vulnerable. Attorney General Pamela Bondi minced no words, stating, “This administration will not tolerate criminals who line their pockets with taxpayer dollars while endangering the health and safety of our communities.” Federal authorities seized over $245 million in assets, including cash and luxury vehicles, in connection with the operation.
Among those charged in the Eastern District of Louisiana is Leland Roberts, 46, of Tifton, Georgia. Roberts, allegedly the co-owner, chief executive officer of, and later a consultant to Luminus Diagnostics, a Georgia-based diagnostic laboratory, is accused of conspiring to commit health care fraud. The indictment claims Roberts and his co-conspirators billed Medicare over $30 million for medically unnecessary genetic testing, fueled by kickbacks and orders obtained through dubious “telemedicine” practices. Medicare reportedly paid out approximately $4.4 million on these fraudulent claims.
The scheme wasn’t just about volume; it was about manipulation. The indictment alleges Roberts and his network designed “dummy proof” genetic testing order forms – pre-populated with diagnosis codes and check-the-box panels – to streamline the fraudulent billing process. They further concealed their activities by routing claims through another laboratory, believing they’d have a higher chance of approval. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses and Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters of the Gulf Coast Strike Force are prosecuting the case against Roberts.
Also indicted is Dr. Marion Lee, 61, of Cordelle, Georgia, the co-owner and medical advisor to Luminus Diagnostics. Lee is charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, accused of participating in the same scheme to bilk Medicare out of approximately $24 million. Like Roberts, Lee is alleged to have procured genetic testing orders in exchange for kickbacks and utilized the same “dummy proof” forms to ensure payment. The pair allegedly worked in tandem to exploit the system.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson emphasized the ongoing commitment to prosecuting health care fraud. “Our office, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of fraud, and seek justice for those impacted by Health Care Fraud schemes,” he stated. This takedown serves as a stark reminder that those who prey on the sick and elderly will face the full force of federal law. The investigation remains ongoing, and further charges are anticipated.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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