The U.S. Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division announced a series of enforcement actions targeting fraud schemes that collectively attempted or succeeded in stealing more than $340 million from taxpayers.
According to the Justice Department, cases over the past week ranged from relatively small frauds of about $54,000 to large-scale schemes exceeding $100 million. Officials emphasized a renewed focus on identifying and prosecuting fraud across federal programs.
“The National Fraud Enforcement Division is committed to prosecuting anyone who steals from American taxpayers,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald. “No matter the amount, we are steadfast in our effort to eliminate fraud.”
Among the latest actions, five individuals were arrested in Kentucky, Indiana, and Colorado for allegedly participating in a $1.6 million scheme to fraudulently obtain COVID-19 relief funds. Charges include wire fraud, identity theft, and money laundering.
In California, a former teacher pleaded guilty to laundering millions in healthcare fraud proceeds tied to a scheme that billed Medicare nearly $51 million. Authorities said approximately $20 million was paid out, with at least $14 million laundered.
Other cases span the country and involve a range of federal programs. A former Social Security Administration employee in Maryland was indicted for a disability benefits scheme totaling more than $116,000. In Missouri, a chiropractor was sentenced to over eight years in prison for healthcare fraud involving fraudulent prescriptions and $4.7 million in losses.
An Oregon woman from Seaside was sentenced to 28 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining more than $580,000 in pandemic unemployment benefits by falsely claiming dozens of employees. Additional cases included fraudulent tax filings in Arizona, unemployment fraud in New Mexico, and a $2 million tax fraud scheme resulting in a nearly 14-year sentence in Alabama.
Healthcare fraud also remained a major focus. In Florida, a nursing assistant received a nine-year sentence for his role in an $11.4 million scheme involving unnecessary medical equipment billed to Medicare. Separately, a Louisiana man was sentenced for a $6.6 million scheme involving fraudulent cancer genetic testing claims.
Authorities also highlighted cases involving identity theft and misuse of government benefits, including individuals who collected Social Security or pension payments intended for deceased recipients.
The announcement follows the recent creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division, which is part of a broader federal initiative aimed at reducing fraud, waste, and abuse in government programs. The effort aligns with a task force led by Vice President J.D. Vance focused on strengthening oversight and enforcement nationwide.
Justice Department officials said investigations are ongoing and additional charges may be filed as authorities continue to pursue fraud cases across the country.
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