Convicted in Healthcare Fraud

Eight people, including six chiropractors and a physical therapist, have been convicted and sentenced for allegedly participating in a massive healthcare fraud scheme against the Texas Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fund (Texas Fund). The convictions followed a two-year undercover sting operation, code-named “Darkmed,” conducted jointly by the Texas Fund and the FBI. According to the Texas Fund, Operation Darkmed has yielded 11 indictments and eight convictions to date. Three trials are still pending. Among the chiropractors convicted were Jonathan Boyd, Houston regional manager, Organized Healthcare Service Inc.; and owner-operators Steven Descant, of a family chiropractic center, San Antonio; Charles Dramiga, Chirostar Clinics, Dallas; Rantiola Ogun, Family Care Chiropractic, Dallas; Mark Prii, Chiropractic Arts Center, Coppell; and David Reaume, Organized Healthcare Service Inc., Austin. Sentences for those convicted ranged from four to 12 months in prison, followed by two to three years probation, plus fines and/or restitution. In addition to the sentences, each chiropractor also faces the probability of losing his license to practice. Operation Darkmed also led to the indictment of Zonia Elvas Valasco, a licensed physical therapist and owner-operator of Health Prime, Dallas. A district court ruled that she allegedly conspired to commit health care fraud and sentenced her to 12 months probation. It is uncertain at this time whether she faces sanctions from the Texas State Board of Physical and Occupational Therapists. The eighth convicted participant in the fraud scheme was Jesus “Alex” Villarreal, senior vice president, Imaging at Associated Medical Providers, Dallas. He was sentenced to one year in prison and three years probation, plus restitution of over $36,900 to the FBI.

Topics Texas Fraud