Wetumpka Woman Accused of $750K Medicaid Fraud

Montgomery, AL – Lashawn Denise Anthony, 41, of Wetumpka, was arraigned today on charges that she swindled over $750,000 from Alabama Medicaid, according to George L. Beck, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.

The 10-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court accuses Anthony of health care fraud through her business, Youth Enhancement and Family Services, Inc. The non-profit corporation was supposed to provide psychotherapy services to students and families under the Medicaid Program. However, the scheme involved falsely billing as if a psychologist with a doctoral degree had provided services when only a master’s degree holder actually did.

“The Medicaid Program is designed to aid needy families,” Beck emphasized. “Fraudsters like Anthony drive up costs, limiting care for those in need. Our office will aggressively pursue such fraud.”

The false billing scheme was discovered by the Benefits Integrity Division of Alabama Medicaid. The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanked state authorities for their role in this joint investigation.

Each count of health care fraud carries a maximum sentence of 10 years and a $250,000 fine, with false statement counts carrying up to five years and a $250,000 fine. Anthony is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The trial is set for April, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bob Anderson and Denise Simpson prosecuting the case. For more information, contact Clark Morris at usaalm.press@usdoj.gov or (334) 551-1755.