CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Federal officials have announced charges against dozens of individuals across South Carolina and North Carolina in a sweeping healthcare fraud investigation that uncovered more than $100 million in fake claims and stolen taxpayer funds.
From fake behavioral clinics in rural towns to gift card bribes in urban addiction centers, the fraud schemes touched every corner of the Carolinas — and prosecutors say they directly impact Medicaid and Medicare patients, veterans, and honest small providers.
“Healthcare fraud is not a victimless crime,” said U.S. Attorney Dena King of the Western District of North Carolina. “Every taxpayer, every patient waiting for care, and every honest provider is affected.”
What the Fraud Looked Like in South Carolina
Several of the largest scams identified in this week’s bust operated either inside South Carolina or were closely tied to providers and patients here.
1. $21 Million Scam Tied to Fake Clinics:
A group led by Donald Saunders (Charlotte, NC) and including Vanessa Boatright (Manning, SC), Cynthia Harris (Elgin, SC), and Latarsa Hitchcock (Raleigh, NC) allegedly set up phony behavioral health centers that billed Medicaid for therapy sessions that never happened…