Family of Three Sentenced to Prison for Health Care Fraud in Arizona
In a shocking case of health care fraud, a mother and her two sons have been sentenced to prison for bilking Arizona’s Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) out of over $3 million.
Vestah Tikium, 33 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven Logan. Her sons, Terdell Dawes and Terrell Dawes, were sentenced to 24 months and 18 months in federal prison, respectively.
The three defendants were ordered to pay over $3 million in restitution for the false medical transport claims they submitted to AHCCCS. The family-owned and operated Diné Transport, which provided non-emergency medical transportation for AHCCCS recipients on the Navajo reservation.
Between March 2013 and July 2013, the family submitted tens of thousands of false medical transport claims to AHCCCS, generating over $3 million in fraudulent payments. Approximately 95% of the claims submitted by Diné Transport during this period were found to be false.
“Health care fraud is a prevalent problem that causes higher health care costs and increased taxes for everyone,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange. “Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to target those who perpetuate health care fraud, and we will prosecute them to the full extent of the law.”
“The FBI views health care fraud as a serious crime problem,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael DeLeon. “It degrades the integrity of our health care system and legitimate patient care. The sentences handed down on these individuals sends a clear message to those persons who are defrauding our health insurance programs.”
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and AHCCCS Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Bridget Minder and Peter Sexton, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
The case has a broader significance, as five other individuals have been convicted and sentenced for perpetrating similar frauds to falsely bill AHCCCS for non-emergency medical transports that purportedly occurred on the Navajo Reservation. Since 2016, several individuals have been convicted and sentenced for similar crimes, including Sylvia Begay, Virgil Begay, Natasha Begaye, Cortasha Upshaw, and Elseddig Musa.
Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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