Early Intervention Programs in Michigan and elsewhere offer remedial services to children up to the age of three who have developmental problems. Medicaid or other agencies or departments pay for some of these services. A teacher in another state was recently arrested on charges of white-collar crimes that allegedly involved filing claims for EIP therapy sessions that were never provided.
Although none of the charges filed against the 45-year-old teacher relate to her employment, the Department of Education has reportedly removed her from the classroom. Her return depends on the outcome of the case. According to the complaint that was filed in the federal court, the defendant allegedly submitted fraudulent invoices for the payment of 600 therapy sessions over a four-year period.
The value totals $59,000 of which Medicaid paid $19,000, and the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene paid the teacher $40,000. Further allegations stated that the EIP sessions that she charged coincided with her being at work or traveling. This was reportedly determined by law enforcement placing a GPS tracker on her car.
The defendant is facing charges of theft and bribery to receive federal funds and health care fraud. Michigan residents who find themselves accused of committing white-collar crimes might be wise to secure the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer will protect the legal rights of a defendant throughout the case and handle any plea deals that might be offered. Furthermore, he or she can also launch an independent investigation on which to base the best possible defense.