Healthcare insurance fraud is a white collar crime issue across the United States. Those who are involved in a fraud case may find themselves facing serious criminal charges, including federal charges. Extensive fines, jail time and more could result. A person’s career, their future and their reputation can hang in the balance while facing these charges. Several NBA players are encountering this reality with recent fraud charges.
Healthcare fraud case
Eighteen former NBA players have been charged in what prosecutors call a multi-million-dollar healthcare fraud scheme. One former player allegedly orchestrated the healthcare fraud scheme where he recruited other former NBA players and supplied them with fake healthcare invoices that they would submit to the NBA’s Health and Welfare Benefit Plan. The players submitted these fraudulent claims for medical and dental services that were not rendered. Over the course of the scheme, which investigators say lasted several years, the defendants submitted nearly $4 million in false claims to their healthcare plan.
The investigation uncovered, using GPS methods, that many of the defendants were not located in the vicinity of where the service they allegedly received on the dates provided on the invoice. They also were submitting receipts for the exact same services on the exact same days. The defendants have been charged with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and wire fraud which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Criminal defense attorney important for a defendant’s future
When a person is facing serious charges, such as healthcare fraud, it is imperative that they have an attorney who specializes in white collar criminal defense. An attorney understands that their client’s future and their reputation is on the line. They will aggressively defend their client against these charges and make sure their side of the story is heard. They will use their experience to address the charges against their client, defend their rights and create the best possible results for their case.