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California officials charge 21 people in hospice fraud exceeding $250 million

California officials charge 21 people in hospice fraud exceeding $250 million

California officials say they uncovered a multimillion-dollar scheme to defraud the state for hospice services paid for with a government insurance program

California Attorney General Bonta Uncovers $267 Million Hospice Fraud Scheme

California Attorney General Bonta Uncovers $267 Million Hospice Fraud Scheme

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced the dismantling of a major hospice fraud ring in Los Angeles, resulting in charges against 21 individuals. The scheme defrauded the state of $267 million by exploiting the Medi-Cal system, with no legitimate hospice services provided. The investigation, known as Operation Skip Trace, led to the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of cash and firearms. The suspects face charges including conspiracy to commit health care fraud, money laundering, and identity theft. This operation highlights the state's commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring the integrity of public health programs.

Medicare Administrator Revokes California Doctor's Access Amid Fraud Allegations

Medicare Administrator Revokes California Doctor's Access Amid Fraud Allegations

Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), has revoked the Medicare authorization of Dr. Rajiv Bhuva, a physician based in Los Angeles. This action follows allegations of misconduct related to $71 million in hospice charges. Dr. Oz issued a warning to healthcare providers, emphasizing the agency's commitment to combating fraud. The revocation is part of a broader effort by CMS to address improper billing practices that divert funds from patient care. Dr. Bhuva was linked to Medicare claims for approximately 2,800 patients across 126 hospices in California, raising concerns about potential fraud. The CMS decision is one of the strongest administrative measures available, effectively barring the doctor from receiving payments from the federal insurance program.

Ontario Warehouse Employee Charged with Felony Arson Following Massive Fire

Ontario Warehouse Employee Charged with Felony Arson Following Massive Fire

A warehouse employee, Chamel Abdul-Karim, has been charged with several counts of felony arson after a massive fire destroyed a warehouse in Ontario, California. Abdul-Karim, 29, faces one count of aggravated arson and six counts of arson-structure/forest land. The charges stem from the willful and malicious burning of buildings or land. The fire occurred at the Kimberly-Clark Distribution Center, where Abdul-Karim was employed through a third-party company. Investigators are examining a video posted on social media that appears to show toilet paper being set on fire inside the warehouse. The video features a person claiming they are not paid enough to live on, though it is not confirmed if this person is Abdul-Karim. A co-worker mentioned that Abdul-Karim was not initially suspected, as he was missing when the fire broke out. The fire, which started around 12:30 a.m. on a Tuesday, destroyed the facility but was contained to the building, with no injuries reported. The warehouse housed paper products from ...

Warehouse Arsonist Faces Charges After $500 Million Blaze in Ontario

Warehouse Arsonist Faces Charges After $500 Million Blaze in Ontario

Chamel Abdulkarim, a 29-year-old employee of NFI Industries, has been charged with aggravated arson and multiple counts of arson of a structure following a massive fire at a Kimberly-Clark warehouse in Ontario, California. The fire, which started after midnight on Tuesday, destroyed $500 million worth of paper products and the warehouse itself, valued at $150 million. Authorities have released a video showing Abdulkarim starting the fire, with a voice discussing workers' pay as paper products are ignited. Abdulkarim reportedly compared himself to Luigi Mangione, an anti-capitalist figure, in messages to coworkers. The fire escalated to a six-alarm blaze, requiring 175 firefighters to respond. Abdulkarim was arrested shortly after the incident and faces up to life in prison if convicted.

California Attorney General Charges 21 Individuals in $267 Million Hospice Fraud Scheme

California Attorney General Charges 21 Individuals in $267 Million Hospice Fraud Scheme

California's Attorney General, Rob Bonta, has announced felony charges against 21 individuals involved in a hospice fraud scheme that allegedly cost the state $267 million. The suspects reportedly purchased personal identifying information from the dark web to enroll non-California residents in Medi-Cal, a program providing low-cost healthcare to low-income residents. They are accused of buying 14 hospice companies and billing Medi-Cal for services that were never provided. The alleged patients were healthy and unaware of their enrollment in hospice care. The charges include healthcare fraud, money laundering, and identity theft, with potential prison sentences ranging from 10 to 16 years. So far, $30 million has been recovered, and five suspects have been arrested.

On This Day: Dodger Stadium’s Legacy Takes Shape

On This Day: Dodger Stadium’s Legacy Takes Shape

Dodger Stadium, located in Los Angeles, California, has been the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers since 1962. Its construction marked a significant ...

7 arrested in a Northern California fireworks warehouse blast that killed 7 and injured 2

7 arrested in a Northern California fireworks warehouse blast that killed 7 and injured 2

Authorities have arrested seven people in connection with a fireworks warehouse explosion in Northern California that killed seven people in July

Long Beach Police Investigate Human Skull Found During Easter Egg Hunt

Long Beach Police Investigate Human Skull Found During Easter Egg Hunt

Authorities in Long Beach, California, have launched an investigation following the discovery of a human skull during an Easter egg hunt at DeForest Park. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Sunday when a family participating in the traditional children's activity stumbled upon the remains. The Long Beach police confirmed the discovery and stated that the Los Angeles County medical examiner's office responded to the scene. The medical examiner's office has identified the remains as a skeletonized human skull and mandible, labeling it 'Unidentified Doe #196.' The remains have been taken to the agency's forensic science center for further investigation. Local residents expressed shock at the discovery, with some noting the park's usual reputation as a safe area.

Prosperity Market Launches Mobile Trailer to Support Black-Owned Businesses in L.A.

Prosperity Market Launches Mobile Trailer to Support Black-Owned Businesses in L.A.

Prosperity Market, founded by Carmen Dianne and Kara Still, is launching a mobile grocery store in Los Angeles to support Black-owned businesses. The 48-foot-long trailer will feature products from local Black farmers and businesses, offering a variety of goods including fresh produce, packaged foods, and beverages. The initiative aims to address food accessibility and support Black entrepreneurs by providing a platform for their products. The trailer will travel around L.A. County, appearing at local events and markets, and will also offer an online marketplace for those unable to shop in person.

Jasveen Sangha Sentenced for Role in Matthew Perry's Death

Jasveen Sangha Sentenced for Role in Matthew Perry's Death

Jasveen Sangha Sentenced for Role in Matthew Perry's Death

Jasveen Sangha Sentenced to 15 Years for Role in Matthew Perry's Death

Jasveen Sangha Sentenced to 15 Years for Role in Matthew Perry's Death

Jasveen Sangha Sentenced to 15 Years for Role in Matthew Perry's Death