TL/DR –
The Boston Division of the FBI charged five Massachusetts residents and one New York resident with submitting false insurance claims to multiple companies, allegedly cheating them out of $1 million. The accused reportedly fabricated records and claimed to have received treatment for traumatic injuries overseas while they were in the U.S. Health care fraud carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and up to $250,000 in fines or twice the gross gain or loss of the offense.
FBI Charges Massachusetts Residents over Alleged Health Insurance Fraud
Six people, including five residents of Massachusetts, were charged by the Boston Division of the FBI for allegedly defrauding health insurance companies of $1 million, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. The accused include Brendon Ashe (40) from Dorchester, Aqiyla Atherton (36) from Roxbury, Darline Cobbler (40) from Randolph, Henry Ezeonyido (36) from Brockton, Chinenye Nwodim (36) from Brockton, and Ariel Lambert from Brooklyn, New York.
Details of the Alleged Health Insurance Fraud
The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that the defendants submitted false health insurance claims, alleging they had spent large amounts out-of-pocket for medical treatments overseas. These treatments were claimed for traumatic injuries like stabbings, gunshot wounds, and car accidents. However, evidence suggests that the defendants were in the U.S. while making these claims.
Falsified Evidence and Illegitimate Claims
To support their claims, the defendants allegedly provided fabricated records such as fake bank statements, counterfeit medical documents, and falsified police reports. In some cases, the details of the results, such as the dates of service, location, and nature of the alleged injuries, were strikingly similar, raising suspicion.
Aftermath of the Health Insurance Fraud Charges
The individuals charged have been released on conditions after a hearing at the federal court in Boston. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy criticized the defendants for their alleged fabrication of over $1 million in insurance claims. He emphasized that this kind of deceit not only breaks the law but also places undue burden on the healthcare system, causing increased costs for all. He warned that health care fraud can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years and fines of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss of the offense.
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