HOUSTON – A massive health care fraud scheme has hit Texas, with eight individuals charged locally as part of the Justice Department’s 2024 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action. The group, including Sharon Pickrom, 64, and Darlene Burbridge, 65, are accused of bilking over $2.75 billion from programs designed for the elderly and disabled.
“The enforcement actions represent our coordinated efforts to combat health care fraud and prosecute those who exploit vulnerable individuals for profit,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Pickrom, along with Burbridge and Carmalita Landry, 53, are charged in connection with a $1.7 million scheme involving false prescriptions and kickbacks. Ijeoma Victoria Ehieze, 61, is accused of defrauding Medicare and Medicaid for over $1.5 million through illegal kickback payments.
Michael Ogbebor, 43, faces charges for fraudulently obtaining millions in private insurance funds through a phantom dialysis business, while Harold Albert “Al” Knowles, 56, and Chantal Swart, 49, are charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and paying/receiving kickbacks.
The coordinated two-week law enforcement action resulted in criminal charges against 193 people nationwide and the seizure of over $231 million in assets. Pickrom was indicted on June 12 for conspiracy to defraud the U.S., paying and receiving kickbacks, and receipt of kickbacks.
Burbridge and Landry were charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and paying/receiving kickbacks, while Ehieze was indicted on June 5 for conspiracy to commit health care fraud, five counts of health care fraud, and conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks. Ogbebor was indicted on June 12 for health care fraud.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
