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Texas Woman Charged with Health Care Fraud
A 45-year-old El Paso businesswoman and her nephew have been arrested on charges of health care fraud, conspiracy, and kickbacks, according to court documents.
Zenia Chavez, the owner of Nursemind Home Health, Inc., and her 23-year-old nephew, Raul Alejandro Fuentes, who works for the company, allegedly conspired to commit health care fraud by enrolling people in need of care in a hospice program without a legitimate reason. They then created false medical records, forged signatures, and submitted fraudulent claims to Medicare.
Chavez is also accused of offering kickbacks for client referrals to Nursemind Home Health, Inc. The company provides hospice care services for individuals in boarding homes and senior living facilities.
Chavez and Fuentes face a maximum of 10 years in prison for each of the 14 health care fraud counts. Chavez could also face up to 5 years in prison for conspiracy and up to 10 years for each of the 11 counts of illegal remunerations.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas, the FBI, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Skillern and Debra Kanof are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation. As our investigation continues, we will work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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