March 16, 2016
Carson City, NV – Nevada Attorney General Adam Paul Laxalt announced that Kevin Jesus Cummings, 28, of Reno, was sentenced for one count of submitting false claims, a category “D” felony, and one count of theft, a category “C” felony, related to Medicaid fraud. In February 2016, his co-defendant Jessyca Gibson, 33, of Reno, was sentenced for intentional failure to maintain adequate records. The frauds were committed between January 2013 and May 2014.
The investigation began after the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) received information that Cummings had allegedly failed to provide mental health services through his company, Nova Behavioral Services, LLC, to Medicaid recipient children in a foster program. The investigation revealed that Cummings had submitted false claims for services he did not in fact provide, and that Gibson had failed to maintain accurate records for the services.
“This crime, having been committed against vulnerable children in need, is especially egregious,” said Laxalt. “My office is committed to combatting Medicaid fraud to ensure the wellbeing of its recipients and safeguard taxpayer resources.”
Second Judicial District Court Judge Elliott Sattler sentenced Cummings to 19-48 months in prison for the false claims count and 24-60 months in prison for the theft count, to run consecutively. The sentences were suspended, and Cummings was placed on probation for 60 months. As part of his sentence, Cummings was ordered to pay more than $56,000 in restitution. Gibson was also ordered to pay nearly $7,000 in restitution.
On behalf of the attorney general and the state, the MFCU investigates and prosecutes financial fraud by those providing healthcare services or goods to Medicaid patients. Persons convicted of Medicaid fraud may also be administratively excluded from future Medicaid and Medicare participation. Anyone wishing to report suspicious activities regarding any related fraud may contact the MFCU at 702-486-3420 or 775-684-1100.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Mark J. Krueger prosecuted this case.
To view the criminal Information for Kevin Jesus Cummings and Jessyca Gibson, click on their respective links. To file a complaint with our Office, click here.
Cummings, Kevin Jesus Gibson, Jessyca
(Photos courtesy of the Washoe County Sheriff's Department)
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