Multiple arrests made for Medicaid fraud

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) –  Nov. 7, 2019 - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that nine people have been arrested after an 18-month investigation in Richland County for allegations they defrauded the South Carolina Medicaid Program.

New Outlook Second Chance, a Medicaid Provider, provided behavioral health services to both children and adults in Columbia and Sumter. Owners Bethena Jackson (55) and Pearl Griffin (58), as well as former employees Ruth Henry (59), Kimberlee Morris (53), Shaneka Smith (28), Brittany Smith (30), Onyara Memminger (39), Charrise Robertson-West (39), and Jewel Coleman (51) were all arrested as a result of the investigation.

A total of 18 charges were brought against the nine defendants including: eight counts of Criminal Conspiracy, three counts of Forgery value less than $10,000, two counts of Obtaining Signature or Property under False Pretenses value $10,000 or more, and five counts of Medical Assistance Provider Fraud.

The defendants are alleged to have each had an individual role within the larger fraud scheme to receive reimbursement from SC Medicaid for services not rendered.

The case will be prosecuted by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigates and prosecutes health care fraud committed by Medicaid Providers and the physical and financial abuse of patients in facilities.  If you have any information about Medicaid Provider Fraud or residential patient abuse, please contact the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit toll-free at 1-888-NO-CHEAT (1-888-662-4328) or by email at [email protected]. Tips and information from the public are critical for the discovery, investigation, and prosecution of Medicaid Fraud and patient abuse.

Attorney General Wilson stresses all the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.