Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to $3.3M Fraud Scheme Involving COVID-19 Test Kits
TL/DR –
Dennis Michael Peyroux, a 57-year-old from Slidell, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud connected to a scheme of billing Medicare for ineligible over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits. Peyroux’s fraudulent actions, which began in November 2022, involved purchasing Medicare beneficiary information and misappropriating the credentials of a former nurse practitioner, billing Medicare around $3.3 million in fraudulent claims, of which Medicare reimbursed approximately $3.2 million. As part of the plea agreement, Peyroux agreed to pay over $3.2 million in restitution to Medicare and could face a maximum penalty of ten years of imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, or the greater of twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss to any person, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
Slidell Man Pleads Guilty to $3.2 Million COVID-19 Test Kit Fraud
Dennis Michael Peyroux, a 57-year-old man from Slidell, Louisiana, admitted his guilt on January 8, 2025, to plotting healthcare fraud linked to billing Medicare for ineligible over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests. The scam violated 18 U.S.C. §§ 1347 and 1349, resulting in a conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud charge.
Court records revealed that Peyroux initiated the fraud in November 2022 by collaborating with others to acquire Medicare beneficiary info. The data comprised fabricated recordings of individuals allegedly requesting OTC COVID-19 test kits and Medicare identification numbers. Peyroux then used this information to charge Medicare through his chiropractic clinic.
Peyroux further manipulated the credentials of a former nurse practitioner who had worked for him, and incorrectly identified her as the referring provider on the fraudulent claims. Peyroux reportedly billed Medicare for roughly $3.3 million in six months, using fake claims for OTC COVID-19 test kits via his clinic. Medicare paid out around $3.2 million.
Under the plea agreement terms, Peyroux has consented to reimburse Medicare over $3.2 million. Additionally, the government seized over $1 million from Peyroux’s bank accounts. Sentencing is scheduled for April 23, 2025, by Judge Lance M. Africk.
If found guilty, Peyroux confronted a maximum penalty of a ten-year prison term, followed by up to three years of supervised release. He might also have to pay a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, under 18 U.S.C. § 3571, along with a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
The investigation was commended by U.S. Attorney Evans and was carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Nicholas D. Moses, Assistant United States Attorney of the Financial Crimes Unit and Health Care Fraud Coordinator, and Kelly Z. Walters, Trial Attorney of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
—
Read More Health & Wellness News ; US News