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Link between the college admission scandal and healthcare fraud

The college admission scandal was top of the news headlines just a few weeks ago. The scandal involved members of the Hollywood elite along with other wealthy parents paying bribes to get their children spots in prestigious universities. The fallout of the problem remains to be seen as parents fight allegations in court, colleges sort through admissions to determine the best course of action for their universities and students who were often unknowingly the subject of the scandal attempt to get on with their lives.

A new development in the case involves government allegations that in addition to the admission scandal a parent was also committing fraudulent acts of healthcare fraud. The parent allegedly partook in a healthcare fraud scam involving nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) accused the parent of spending almost 20 years claiming payment for services never provided. These allegedly ill-gotten gains, according to the DOJ, were used to fund an “opulent” lifestyle that included bribing university officials to ease his son’s entry to college.

In addition to failing to provide the claimed services, the accused also faced allegations of bribing doctors to have patients sent to his facility and bribing government officials to provide notice of surprise inspections of his facilities. A jury found the accused guilty of 20 criminal charges including money laundering, conspiracy to commit bribery and conspiracy to defraud the United States. He currently awaits sentencing.

The case provides an example of the extensive nature of government investigations. An initial allegation of criminal activity can grow into multiple criminal charges. As a result, those who face allegations of healthcare fraud and similar crimes are wise to act to protect their interests. An attorney can review the allegations and work to better ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.