Federal investigators have filed fraud charges against twenty people in Los Angeles County, Orange County and Riverside County for their roles in a $4.6 million Medi-Cal fraud scheme that enabled unlicensed caregivers to provide services to about six dozen severely disabled persons, including children with cerebral palsy and other defects. The arrested persons are all charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and health fraud.

Prosecutors charge that the group conspired to commit extensive fraud against Medi-Cal for in-home licensed services. Priscilla Villabroza, a registered nurse, is accused of masterminding the scheme. Villabroza, who ran a Santa Fe Springs-based company, pleaded guilty last year to five counts of health care fraud. Prosecutors say that Villabroza hired unlicensed, untrained persons to provide in-home services and billed Medi-Cal as though the employees were licensed. Prosecutors say that employees were told to lie about their qualifications if asked. Villabroza’s assistant, Susan Bendigo, was also charged in the scheme, but she fled the country during the investigation.

Federal criminal defense attorney Robert Michael Helfend can help if you’ve been arrested on fraud or embezzlement charges, or other federal crimes.
Mr. Helfend has 25 years of experienced exclusively in criminal defense and can help you fight federal charges against you. Experience in a courtroom is irreplaceable, but it isn’t enough to get charges against you dropped or reduced. That takes an aggressive federal criminal defense attorney who is willing to do what it takes to protect your rights and freedoms.

Robert Helfend is that attorney. Over his career, he has developed an impressive case history of successful criminal defense in both federal and state courts. Let Mr. Helfend put his skills and experience to work for you. Contact Robert Helfend today for a free consultation on federal fraud charges against you.

Photo Credit: St. Murse, via Flickr