March 31, 2016
Las Vegas, NV – Today, Nevada Attorney General Adam Paul Laxalt announced that John Banks, 39, of Las Vegas, was sentenced for a records offense associated with Medicaid claims for behavioral health services. Banks pleaded guilty to one count of intentional failure to maintain adequate records, a gross misdemeanor. The fraud was committed between June 2012 and January 2015.
Banks provided behavioral health services through Serenity Mental Health, a Nevada company that provides services such as substance abuse and rehabilitative mental health services. An investigation by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) revealed that Banks created and submitted fraudulent service documentation to Serenity for services that he failed to provide to Medicaid recipients. The documentation was then relied on and used by Serenity to submit claims to Nevada Medicaid.
“Medicaid services are reserved for those in need, and should not be abused for personal gain,” said Laxalt. “In an effort to protect these services, my Office will remain aggressive in combating Medicaid fraud to safeguard taxpayer resources and ensure the well-being of its recipients.”
Eighth Judicial District Court Judge Valerie Adair sentenced Banks to 364 days in prison, suspended, and placed him on probation for three years. As part of the sentence, Banks was also ordered to pay $4,726 in restitution and perform 80 hours of community service.
The MFCU investigates and prosecutes the financial fraud of those providing healthcare services or goods to Medicaid patients. The MFCU also investigates and prosecutes instances of elder abuse or neglect. Persons convicted of Medicaid fraud may be administratively excluded from future Medicaid and Medicare participation. Anyone wishing to report suspicions regarding any of these concerns may contact the MFCU at 702-486-3420 or 775-684-1100.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Andrew Schulke prosecuted this case.
To view the criminal Information, click here. To file a complaint with the Office of the Nevada Attorney General, click here.
BANKS, JOHN J.
(Photo courtesy of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)
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