wire fraud

Published on: July 24, 2020

Feds Charge Washington, D.C. Dentist, Two Others for Involvement in Plot to Defraud Medicaid

A federal grand jury has indicted a Maryland dentist, his business partner, and another man on federal charges related to an alleged plot to fraudulently obtain millions of dollars in Medicaid payments.

The indictment, which was unsealed on July 22, names Edward T. Buford III, 68, of Silver Spring, Maryland; Kasandra Vilchez-Duarte, 44, of Fort Washington, Maryland; and Donnie Amis, 63, of Washington, D.C., as the defendants. They are each charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and mail fraud as well as conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. They were released after their initial court appearances last Wednesday. Attorney information was not available at the time of writing.

Published on: July 23, 2020

Boston Man Indicted for CARES Act Pandemic Unemployment Fraud and Identity Fraud

by Brian Silber

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts has announced charges against a Malden man accused of filing fraudulent applications for coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic unemployment benefits.

Wagner Sozi, 32, was charged with two counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of making a false claim to the United States. It is unclear if he has acquired legal representation.

Published on: July 21, 2020

Former Employees of Connecticut Healthcare Insurance Firm Charged in $17.9 Million Scheme to Defraud Client

by Brian Silber

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York announced the arrest of four former employees of a Connecticut healthcare insurance firm accused of defrauding a client out of millions meant for healthcare claims.

The complaint names Patricia Riccardi, Anthony Riccardi, Erin Verespy, and Vanessa Battle, all of Connecticut, as defendants. They are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud. Attorney information was not available.

Published on: July 20, 2020

Texas Man Charged in $1.1 Million Wire Fraud Scheme Involving COVID-19 Relief Funds

by Brian Silber

The U.S. Department of Justice announced fraud charges against a Texas man accused of fraudulently obtaining $1.1 million in federal loans earmarked for small businesses affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Joshua Thomas Argires, 29, of Houston was charged with making false statements to a financial institution, engaging in unlawful monetary transactions, wire fraud, and bank fraud. It is unclear if he has acquired the services of an attorney.

Published on: July 17, 2020

Feds Charge Michigan Contractor for Involvement in $2 Million Unemployment Fraud Scheme

by Brian Silber

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan has charged a Detroit woman for her alleged involvement in a $2 million fraud scheme that sought to defraud the state and federal government out of funds allocated for coronavirus (COVID-19) unemployment assistance.

Brandi Hawkins, 39, is accused of violating federal laws on theft and wire fraud. Attorney information was not available.