Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford has announced the sentencing of Camille Funches and Rodshiekka Chester, owners of Building Resilience LLC, a Las Vegas-based behavioral health company, in a Medicaid fraud case. The individuals were found guilty of fraudulently billing Medicaid for services between January and December 2020.
Senior District Court Judge Michael Villani sentenced both Funches and Chester to 19 to 48 months in prison, with sentences suspended and probation set for two years. Additionally, they are required to repay $1,000,000 to Medicaid as restitution for the funds improperly obtained. Those convicted of Medicaid fraud may face exclusion from future participation in Medicaid and Medicare programs.
"There has been a lot of talk about fraud and waste in government lately. I'm proud of our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for finding fraud against Medicaid and making sure providers are held responsible," said AG Ford. "My office will keep working to catch people and companies that cheat the Medicaid system. We want to make sure Medicaid money goes to people who really need these services."
The investigation began after the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) received reports that services billed by Building Resilience were not provided. It was discovered that Funches and Chester knowingly oversaw the fraudulent billing practices. Interviews with recipients confirmed that services claimed by Building Resilience were not delivered.
The MFCU is tasked with investigating financial fraud involving healthcare service providers or goods for Medicaid patients, as well as instances of elder abuse or neglect. Funded 75 percent by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and 25 percent by the State of Nevada, MFCU invites individuals to report suspicions regarding such matters at their contact numbers.
This case was handled by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit with prosecution led by Senior Deputy Attorney General Steve Sidhu.