Latest news with #BetterHomeHealthcareofGeorgia
Miami Herald
13-05-2025
- Miami Herald
Woman files phony claims to steal $305,000 in Medicaid scam, GA officials say
A business owner accused of helping herself to more than $305,000 meant for the 'most vulnerable Georgians' is going to prison, according to Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. Teresa Renee Owens, 60, was convicted of Medicaid fraud after pleading guilty in DeKalb County Superior Court earlier this year, Carr said in a May 12 news release. The Brookhaven woman also pleaded guilty to false writings and identity fraud in the scheme involving phony claims that were filed with the state's Medicaid program, officials said. Owens' business, Better Home Healthcare of Georgia, provided behavioral health therapy and services to children and adults, according to Carr. As the operator, she allegedly oversaw the submission of false Medicaid claims on multiple occasions and had employees create phony patient records to support those claims, he said. The business received $305,685.75, which was deposited into Owens' personal bank account, according to the attorney general's office. McClatchy News tried reaching Better Home Healthcare of Georgia for comment May 13, but contact information wasn't available. 'Medicaid Fraud isn't a victimless crime – it's theft of taxpayer dollars and it undermines a system meant to care for our most vulnerable Georgians,' Car said in the release. A judge accepted Owens' guilty plea March 31 and handed her a 10-year sentence, according to Carr. She will spend one year in prison and serve the remainder on probation. At a restitution hearing April 28, she was also ordered to repay the money, the attorney general said. 'As this case shows, we will not hesitate to hold accountable those who use their positions to exploit our Medicaid program,' Carr said. Brookhaven is about a 10-mile drive northeast from downtown Atlanta.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Georgia AG announces Brookhaven woman convicted in $305K Medicaid fraud scheme
The Georgia Attorney General's Office announced a 60-year-old Brookhaven woman was convicted for Medicaid fraud passing $305,000. According to Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr's office, Teresa Renee Owens owned RJ Shepherd II, Inc, which was doing business as Better Home Healthcare of Georgia. The company provided behavioral health therapy services to children and adults and was enrolled in Medicaid. 'While operating this business, Owens directed the submission of false claims to the Georgia Medicaid program on a repetitive basis' and had her staff create patient records with fake information in them to support the fraudulent claims, the AG's office said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: FAA says another ground stop is possible at Atlanta airport on Monday Family of beloved Buckhead murder victim expected to learn if accused killer fit to stand trial Georgia gas prices down 11 cents compared to April as oil prices trend lower 'The funds derived from this scheme, $305,685.75″ were then put into personal bank accounts owned by Owens. On March 31, Owens pled guilty in DeKalb County Superior Court to one count of Medicaid fraud, one count of false writings and one count of identity fraud. She was sentenced to 10 years, with one year served in prison and the other nine on probation, according to Carr's office. Additionally, Owens had a restitution hearing on April 28, where a judge ordered her to pay $305,685.75 back to the Georgia Medicaid program. 'Medicaid Fraud isn't a victimless crime – it's theft of taxpayer dollars and it undermines a system meant to care for our most vulnerable Georgians,' Carr said in a statement. 'As this case shows, we will not hesitate to hold accountable those who use their positions to exploit our Medicaid program. Rest assured, if you're a provider attempting to game the system, you will be identified, prosecuted, and ordered to pay back every dollar you stole.' [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
