The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), Medicaid Fraud Control Unit today announced that Mary Jane Brown of Belington was sentenced subsequent to conviction on multiple felony counts in Randolph County Circuit Court, including Medicaid fraud, financial exploitation and fraudulent schemes.
The convictions resulted from a criminal investigation by DHHR’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, which determined that over the course of four years, Brown, a social worker employed by an Elkins nursing home, financially exploited 13 patients, stealing more than $50,000. Brown also caused more than $40,000 in fraudulent claims to be submitted to the Medicaid program. The total loss to all victims including the Medicaid program was $97,264.59.
Brown was initially arrested in July 2014, and later indicted on one count of fraudulent schemes, six counts of financial exploitation, and two counts of Medicaid fraud. The case was prosecuted by Medicaid Fraud Control Unit Attorney Michael Malone, in cooperation with the Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Brown was sentenced to serve one year in jail on one count of financial exploitation, and two consecutive terms of 1-to-10 years in prison on one count each of fraudulent schemes and Medicaid fraud. The prison sentences were suspended in favor of seven years probation, to begin upon Brown’s release from jail. In addition, Brown is ordered to pay full restitution.
The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, through DHHR’s Office of Inspector General, investigates and prosecutes or refers for prosecution allegations of health care fraud committed against the Medicaid program and allegations of criminal abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of patients in Medicaid-funded facilities and residents in board and care facilities. Additionally, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is responsible for investigating fraud in the administration of the Medicaid program. Its mission is to protect West Virginia’s vulnerable residents and the integrity of its health care programs.
To report Medicaid provider fraud or patient abuse, neglect or financial exploitation, please call 1-304-558-1858 or toll-free at 1-888-FRAUD-WV (1-888-372-8398).