The FBI Boston Office has indicted five Massachusetts residents for allegedly submitting false insurance claims to multiple insurance companies and defrauding health insurance companies out of $1 million, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts announced on Friday. The indictment names Brendon Ash, 40, of Dorchester; Akila Atherton, 36, of Roxbury; Darin Kobler, 40, of Randolph; Henry Ezeonyide, 36, of Brockton; and Chinenye Noudim, 36, of Brockton. A sixth suspect, Ariel Lambert, of Brooklyn, New York, was also indicted. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the suspects sent false health insurance claims stating that they had paid out-of-pocket for expensive medical expenses overseas. The suspects claimed to have been treated outside the United States for traumatic injuries, including stabbings, gunshot wounds, and car accidents. The indictment states that the defendants were all in the United States but were hospitalized abroad. The FBI also alleges that the defendants supported their insurance claims with false bank records, false medical records showing medical care received, falsified police reports and other records. “In some cases, the details of the claims and supporting documentation submitted by the defendants or on their behalf, including the dates of service, the country where the trauma purportedly occurred, and the nature and circumstances of the injuries, are nearly identical to one another,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a statement. All six indicted were released on conditions after appearing in federal court in Boston, the office said. “The defendants allegedly misused the health care system by filing more than $1 million in fabricated insurance claims for injuries that did not actually occur. Such deception is not only illegal, but it victimizes all law-abiding individuals by diverting funds from those who truly need help and driving up costs for everyone,” Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy said in a statement. Health care fraud is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. They also face fines of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the crime.
The FBI’s Boston field office has indicted five Massachusetts residents on charges of defrauding health insurance companies out of $1 million by submitting false insurance claims to multiple insurance companies, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts announced Friday.
The complaint names Brendon Ash, 40, of Dorchester, Akila Atherton, 36, of Roxbury, Darrin Cobler, 40, of Randolph, Henry Ezeonyide, 36, of Brockton and Chinenye Noudime, 36, of Brockton.
A sixth person, Ariel Lambert of Brooklyn, New York, was also charged.
Federal prosecutors said the individuals sent false health insurance claims to claim they had paid for expensive medical care overseas out of pocket.
The defendants allegedly claimed they received treatment outside the United States for injuries including stab wounds, gunshot wounds and car accidents.
The defendants, all of whom are in the United States, claim they are hospitalized overseas, according to the lawsuit.
The FBI also alleges that these individuals backed up their insurance claims with fabricated records, including false bank records, false medical records showing medical care received, and false police reports.
“In some cases, the details of the claims submitted by the defendants or their representatives and the supporting documentation are nearly identical, including the dates of incarceration, the country in which the trauma occurred, and the nature and circumstances of the injuries,” the US Attorney’s Office said in a statement.
All six indicted were released on conditions after appearing in federal court in Boston, prosecutors said.
“The defendants allegedly abused the health care system, filing more than $1 million in fabricated insurance claims for injuries that never occurred. This fraudulent activity is not only illegal, it victimizes all law-abiding individuals by diverting funds from people who truly need help and raising costs for everyone,” Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy said in a statement.
Health care fraud is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
You may also be subject to a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross profit or loss from the violation.
