Ricky Dean Johnson, Health Care Fraud, South Dakota 2014

Sioux Falls Man Gets 2 Years Probation for Health Care Fraud

A Sioux Falls man has been sentenced to two years of probation and fined $250 after being convicted of making false statements relating to health care matters.

Ricky Dean Johnson, 59, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier on May 12, 2014, for his role in a scheme that involved obtaining prescription pain medications, including Hydrocodone and Oxycodone, by falsely representing to multiple physicians that he was not taking any other prescription pain medications.

Johnson, a Medicare beneficiary, presented himself to multiple physicians at multiple health care facilities, complaining of pain and seeking prescription pain medications. He lied about his medication history to each doctor in order to obtain the prescriptions.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

The indictment against Johnson was handed down by a federal grand jury on July 9, 2013, and he subsequently pleaded guilty to the charge of making false statements relating to health care matters on February 19, 2014.

Johnson’s sentence is a stark reminder of the consequences of health care fraud, which can have serious consequences for individuals and the healthcare system as a whole.

The investigation into Johnson’s activities serves as a warning to those who may be tempted to engage in similar schemes, and highlights the importance of vigilance in detecting and preventing health care fraud.

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