The FBI has arrested 8 of 15 defendants in connection with a major health care fraud scheme that has reportedly cost taxpayers over $50 million, officials announced on Thursday. The arrests took place in Los Angeles County and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with the suspects including health care professionals such as nurses, a psychologist, and a chiropractor.
Details of the Scheme and Arrests
The fraud operation involved billing Medicare for hospice care services provided to individuals who were not terminally ill. Federal agents from multiple agencies conducted the arrests as part of “Operation Never Say Die,” which is tied to the Vice President’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
According to officials, the operation targeted those who exploited the health care system for profit, particularly by misusing hospice care for non-terminal patients.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced the arrests, stating, “Federal agents from multiple agencies descended on fraudsters throughout Southern California, executing multiple arrests and search warrants.” The operation specifically went after those who had bilked Medicare by falsely claiming patients were terminally ill.
Defendants and Their Alleged Crimes
The 15 individuals named in the fraud scheme are accused of defrauding Medicare by submitting claims for hospice care services to which patients were not entitled. The individuals arrested on Thursday included hospice owners and health care professionals.
Among the suspects were 66-year-old psychologist Gladwin Gill and his wife, 70-year-old registered nurse Amelou Gill, who allegedly ran a Glendale-based hospice facility.
The couple is accused of paying kickbacks for referrals of patients who were not dying. The Gills allegedly used the defrauded funds for personal expenses, including mortgage payments, car payments, dining, and vacations.
Other key individuals involved in the scheme include:
- Lolita Beronilla Minerd, 65, a licensed vocational nurse from Anaheim
- Nita Almuete Paddit Palma, 76, a convicted health care fraudster, currently incarcerated in a federal prison in Seattle
- Evelyn Tindimobuna, 51, a licensed vocational nurse from Chatsworth
- John Nicola, 77, a licensed chiropractor from El Segundo
- Crysta Richter, 40, a Torrance medical billing company owner
- Vincent Surace, 87, of McKinney, Texas
The charges against the defendants include health care fraud, money laundering, and submitting false claims to Medicare. All defendants face significant prison time if convicted.
Impact on Taxpayers and the U.S. Economy
The U.S. Department of Justice has highlighted the significant financial loss caused by health care fraud, with billions of taxpayer dollars being diverted each year. This kind of fraud leads to higher premiums, co-payments, and taxes for Americans.
Operation Never Say Die: A Zero-Tolerance Approach to Fraud
Operation Never Say Die represents a focused effort to target and dismantle fraudulent schemes that abuse the health care system. The FBI’s zero-tolerance policy on health care fraud aims to safeguard taxpayer money and prevent future financial loss to the government and citizens.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Actions
While eight arrests have been made, the investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests and charges are expected in the coming months. The Department of Justice and the FBI have vowed to continue their crackdown on fraudulent schemes within the health care system.
