Press Releases
Federal Judge Dismisses Charges Against Kentucky Cardiologist
COVINGTON, Ky., Jan. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A federal judge has dismissed criminal charges against retired interventional cardiologist Dr. Richard Paulus of Ashland, Kentucky, ending an eight-year-long case that involved two trials and multiple appeals, Dr. Paulus's lawyers at the BLL law firm, the Law Office of Stephen Chahn Lee, and the Mussetter Law Office announced today. "This long-overdue dismissal finally recognizes the truth – the government cannot prove wrongdoing by Dr. Paulus based on the actual evidence regarding his medical practice," said Hilary Holt LoCicero of the BLL law firm, lead counsel in the second trial that recently concluded.
Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office Creates Unit to Prosecute Healthcare Fraud
CHICAGO — Joel R. Levin, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today announced the creation of a new unit dedicated to the prosecution of criminal health care fraud violations. The newly created Health Care Fraud Unit will operate within the office’s Criminal Division. The unit will be tasked with prosecuting defendants in all types of health care fraud, from providers who engage in fraudulent billing schemes to doctors who falsify patients’ diagnoses to justify expensive tests or procedures that aren’t medically necessary.
Chicago Healthcare CEO Pleads Guilty to $1.8 Million Billing Scheme
CHICAGO — The chief executive of Chicago-based Mobile Doctors pleaded guilty today to charges that he fraudulently increased Medicare bills for in-home treatment that was shorter and less complicated than the claims indicated. DIKE AJIRI, 44, of Wilmette, admitted in a plea agreement that he personally altered patient files so that the now-defunct company could fraudulently bill several patient visits to Medicare at the highest possible level. The improper billing – known as “upcoding” – defrauded Medicare and the Railroad Retirement Board of approximately $1,854,000, according to the plea agreement.
Historically Largest National Medicare Fraud Takedown Sees 12 Charged in Chicago
CHICAGO – Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell announced today a nationwide takedown by Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations in 17 districts, resulting in charges against 243 individuals, including 46 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in Medicare fraud schemes involving approximately $712 million in false billings. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) also suspended a number of providers using its suspension authority as provided in the Affordable Care Act. This coordinated takedown is the largest in Strike Force history, both in terms of the number of defendants charged and loss amount. Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, announced thirteen defendants who were charged in four local cases as part of the national package.