May 13, 2014
Las Vegas, NV – Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto announced that Romeeka Naytesa Richardson, 33, of Las Vegas, was sentenced today in a Medicaid fraud case involving the intentional failure to maintain adequate records to support Medicaid claims.
“Richardson committed fraud by not keeping truthful case records and took from the Medicaid system,” said Masto. “Cases like these in which the owner of a behavioral health company misuse their power, keep services from going to people who truly need them. This conviction will help deter future fraud and ensure continued support of those in need of services.”
Richardson was sentenced for one gross misdemeanor offense of intentional failure to maintain adequate records by District Court Judge Michelle Leavitt. Judge Leavitt sentenced Richardson to 150 days, suspended, performance of 80 hours of community service and payment of $25,000 in restitution, penalties, and costs.
The investigation began after the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) received information that Richardson was submitting claims to Medicaid for reimbursement claiming that her company, All About You Behavioral Health Services, was providing behavioral health services that were not actually provided. The investigation revealed that Richardson submitted claims and prepared documentation for services allegedly provided to Medicaid recipients that were inaccurate. Richardson paid an employee to fill out progress notes as if that employee had provided services, when in fact Richardson knew that was not the case. The records maintained by Richardson did not note the actual provider of services, dates of service, or types of service provided to the Medicaid recipients. The fraud occurred from January 2012 through May 2012.
Medicaid provides payment, and allocates particular amounts of time, for assistance to individuals to gain psychiatric stability, social adjustment and independent living skills.
The case was investigated and prosecuted by the MFCU, which investigates and prosecutes financial fraud by those providing healthcare services or goods to Medicaid patients. The MFCU also investigates and prosecutes instances of elder abuse or neglect. Anyone wishing to report suspicions regarding any of these concerns may contact the MFCU at 702-486-3420 or 775-684-1100.
The case was prosecuted by Andrew Schulke, Senior Deputy Attorney General.
To read the criminal information click here.
| RICHARDSON, ROMEEKA NAYTESA |
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(Photos courtesy of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)
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