Zellisha Dejean, Health Care Fraud, Louisiana 2016

New Orleans Woman Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud

A New Orleans woman has been found guilty of health care fraud, marking a significant blow to the healthcare industry. Zellisha Dejean, age 37, of New Orleans, pled guilty to one count of health care fraud.

According to court documents, Dejean worked as an RN for Abide and was responsible for assessing the status of her patients, initiating a plan of care, evaluating patient needs, providing comprehensive nursing care, among other things. Her duties as a registered nurse were meant to provide quality care to her patients, but instead, she was involved in a massive healthcare fraud scheme.

The scheme, which was uncovered in 2016, involved approximately $30,252,906 in Medicare fraud. Dejean was charged along with 13 other defendants in a 31-count Superseding Indictment. She faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite praised the work of the Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. The investigation was a lengthy and complex process that involved numerous agents and experts.

The case is a stark reminder of the importance of healthcare fraud prevention and the need for healthcare professionals to adhere to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. Dejean's guilty plea serves as a warning to others who may be considering similar fraudulent activities.

Dejean's sentencing is set for January 26, 2017. The case is a significant victory for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney's Office in their efforts to combat healthcare fraud.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrice Harris Sullivan, Sharan Lieberman, Hayden Brockett and Andre Lagarde are in charge of the prosecution. The case highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and healthcare providers to prevent and detect healthcare fraud.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/new-orleans-woman-pleads-guilty-one-count-health-care-fraud