Two Arrested in La. for Medicaid Fraud

Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., announced that two individuals have been arrested for allegedly defrauding the Louisiana Medicaid Program.

On Oct. 12, 2006, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) Investigators arrested Cheryl M. Hartman, 521 Tiffany Street, Patterson, La., on 33 counts of Principal to Medicaid Fraud and 33 counts of Principal to Filing False Public Records. Investigators allege that Hartman, a former employee of Matters of the H.E.A.R.T. (MOTH), billed for services that were not performed thereby allowing MOTH to collect $2,088.00 from Medicaid. MOTH is a licensed Medicaid provider that provides personal care service to Medicaid recipients who are infirmed and/or disabled.

Hartman was booked into St. Mary Parish Prison. The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office assisted with the arrest.

On October 13, 2006 MFCU Investigators arrested Melissa Ann Richard, 2654 Johnson Drive, Berwick, La., on 33 counts of Principal to Medicaid Fraud and 33 counts of Principal to Filing False Public Records. Investigators allege that Richard, program director for MOTH, verified and signed time sheets submitted by Cheryl Hartman for work Hartman allegedly did not perform thereby allowing MOTH to collect $2,088.00 from Medicaid.

Richard was booked into St. Mary Parish Prison. The Lafayette Sheriff’s Office assisted with the arrest.

If you suspect Medicaid fraud, please contact the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit at 1-888-799-6885.

Source: La. AG’s Office