Thirteen individuals have been charged by federal authorities in connection with more than $365 million in alleged healthcare fraud targeting Medicare and TRICARE, affecting veterans and senior citizens.
Last week, federal authorities announced charges against thirteen individuals, including doctors, in seven separate health care fraud cases.
The announcement comes as the federal government continues a nationwide crackdown on coordinated healthcare fraud schemes involving 450 individuals across the United States. The schemes allegedly involved more than $6.5 billion in fraudulent claims, and in some cases, resulted in significant patient harm, including death.
Among those charged is 63-year-old Frisco counselor Kevin Curry, who allegedly billed TRICARE for treatments that were never provided. Prosecutors allege Curry submitted nearly $27 million, receiving about $17 million in reimbursements, which authorities say he used to purchase luxury items, including a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck.
Also charged were Dr. Olubayo Idowu of DeSoto, and Dr. James Carlisle Jr., of Southlake. Prosecutors allege the two physicians worked with nurse practitioner Vaughn Brozek to order medically unnecessary brain wave tests in exchange for kickbacks. Authorities say the scheme generated more than $25 million in false Medicare claims.
Authorities also charged Catherine Maduka, who operated a hospice company, alleging she billed Medicare for patients who did not qualify for end-of-life care. Prosecutors accuse Maduka of enrolling ineligible patients and billing for services that were never provided. Authorities say the scheme resulted in more than $3.1 million in false claims.
Prosecutors also charged Jason Mareno of Irving and Duc Ngoc Ly, also known as Michael Ly, of Frisco for allegedly facilitating a scheme involving unwanted COVID-19 test kits. Authorities say the operation generated more than $73 million in fraudulent Medicare claims.
“My office is committed to protecting victims and combating fraud against the United States wherever it is found,” United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould said. “Today’s announcement sends a message that no quarter will be given to fraudsters and those who prey on vulnerable members of our community in the Northern District of Texas. It also serves as a reminder that medical professionals who violate the trust society places in them and exploit Americans for personal enrichment will be aggressively pursued and held accountable. My office’s participation in the National Health Care Fraud Takedown reflects our decentralized approach to pursuing fraud across the entirety of the Northern District and highlights the growing partnership we have with Main Justice and the investigating agencies in these efforts to protect victims and the public fisc.”
Federal officials said the nationwide crackdown resulted in the seizure of more than $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets.
Additional information about the remaining cases is available through the U.S. Department of Justice.
