Sallisaw Woman Gets Year For Stealing From Sick Patients

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – Jade LaRae Obregon, 38, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, will spend over a year in federal prison for a calculated scheme to steal from a vulnerable population. The woman was sentenced this week to 1 year and 1 day of imprisonment for THEFT OF FEDERAL PROGRAM FUNDS, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341. But the jail time is just part of the punishment; Obregon was also slapped with a hefty restitution order of $574,385.94 – money she pilfered from a hospital meant to care for the sick.

According to court documents, Obregon, while employed as an agent of Sequoyah Memorial Hospital, systematically embezzled diabetic test strips between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2013. Sequoyah Memorial Hospital receives over $10,000 annually in federal healthcare funding, making this theft a direct attack on resources intended for patient care. The indictment alleges Obregon didn’t just misplace the strips; she knowingly converted them to her own use, or the use of someone else, effectively stealing property valued at over $5,000.

This wasn’t some impulsive act. The scheme spanned two full years, indicating a deliberate and sustained effort to defraud the hospital and, ultimately, the federal programs that support it. The stolen test strips weren’t just inventory; they were essential medical supplies for patients managing diabetes, a condition requiring consistent monitoring and treatment. Obregon exploited her position of trust for personal gain, leaving the hospital to grapple with shortages and potential harm to those relying on these crucial supplies.

The case was overseen by The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Payne handed down the sentence after considering the evidence presented by the prosecution and the impact of Obregon’s crimes. The judge clearly signaled that stealing from federal programs and healthcare institutions will not be tolerated.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, highlighting the FBI’s commitment to combating healthcare fraud and protecting federal resources. Assistant United States Attorney Melody Nelson skillfully prosecuted the case, ensuring Obregon was held accountable for her actions. Obregon has been ordered to self-report to the Bureau of Prisons on January 15, 2017, to begin serving her sentence.

This case serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly small-scale embezzlement can have significant consequences, both financially and for the individuals and programs affected. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments. The question remains: will this sentence deter others from exploiting vulnerable systems for personal profit?