DOJ Indicts Pharmacists and Physician for $170 Million Healthcare Fraud Scheme

The Department of Justice has indicted two pharmacists and a physician for carrying out a $170 million healthcare fraud scheme, Sarah Granau reports for Houston Public Media. Pharmacist Shalondria Simpson, owner of two Houston pharmacies, along with her sister and another pharmacist, allegedly referred prescriptions to the pharmacies in exchange for illegal kickbacks and bribes. From 2016 to 2022 the three women submitted false claims to the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Program for high reimbursement kickbacks. Simpson also conspired to launder the proceeds through financial transactions, and attempted to convert the money among more than 10 bank accounts and a cryptocurrency wallet. The three suspects are charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive healthcare kickbacks, and one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud. Simpson is also facing five charges of paying healthcare kickbacks and five counts of money laundering.