February 6, 2017
Las Vegas, NV – Nevada Attorney General Adam Paul Laxalt announced that Anthony Staten, 37, of Las Vegas, was sentenced today in a Medicaid fraud case involving the submission of false Medicaid claims.
Staten was sentenced for one misdemeanor offense of submitting false claims, Medicaid fraud, by Justice Court Judge Eric Goodman. Goodman sentenced Staten to performance of 100 hours of community service and payment of $3,781 in restitution. The fraud occurred from February 2014 to February 2015.
“Prosecutions of Medicaid fraud offenses is an important way to preserve the sanctity of the Nevada Medicaid system,” said Laxalt. “Convictions and repayment of Medicaid funds helps ensure that Medicaid recipients are receiving needed services."
The investigation began after the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) received information that Staten had allegedly not provided behavioral health services to Medicaid recipients while also being the owner of High Definition, Inc. The investigation revealed that Staten had produced fictitious documentation, including progress notes and time and attendance documents, for the service he allegedly provided to Medicaid recipients. The documentation was false as it contained information for services that did not occur, or were for services that were not for the length of time or type of service as noted in the documentation.
The MFCU 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. Persons convicted of Medicaid fraud may also 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.
The case was prosecuted by Andrew Schulke, Senior Deputy Attorney General.
STATEN, ANTHONY M.
(Photo courtesy of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)
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