Dallas, Texas — Federal authorities have announced charges against 13 individuals in North Texas as part of one of the largest healthcare fraud enforcement actions in recent years, with investigators alleging hundreds of millions of dollars in false claims were submitted to government-funded healthcare programs.
The North Texas cases are part of a broader nationwide crackdown involving more than 450 defendants across the United States, according to federal prosecutors. Investigators say the nationwide schemes involved more than $6.5 billion in fraudulent claims, with some cases allegedly resulting in harm to patients.
In North Texas alone, authorities claim the fraud schemes generated more than $365 million in false billings, primarily targeting Medicare and TRICARE.
Massive Fraud Investigation Leads to Multiple Charges
Federal prosecutors said the investigations uncovered a wide range of alleged healthcare fraud schemes involving medical testing, hospice services, telemarketing operations, and medical equipment sales.
Authorities also reported seizing more than $35 million in cash, vehicles, and other assets connected to the North Texas investigations.
Nationwide, law enforcement agencies confiscated more than $182 million worth of cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other property linked to the alleged fraud operations.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton praised the effort and emphasized the importance of protecting taxpayer-funded programs.
“My office has worked tirelessly to expose and end fraud, and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for the people of Texas. I will continue to work to find and stop fraud to protect Texans’ hard-earned dollars and ensure their tax dollars are not wasted or abused.”
Frisco Business Owner Accused in TRICARE Scheme
One of the largest cases involves Kevin Curry, 63, of Frisco, who prosecutors say operated a company called Acuity TMS.
Investigators allege the business submitted claims to TRICARE for treatments that were never provided, medically unnecessary services, and procedures connected to illegal kickback arrangements.
According to prosecutors:
- Nearly $27 million was billed
- Approximately $17 million was paid
- Charges include healthcare fraud, kickback violations, and money laundering
Authorities said assets seized during the investigation included cash and a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck, which investigators believe was purchased using fraudulent proceeds.
Doctors Accused of Ordering Unnecessary Medical Testing
Federal authorities also charged Dr. Olubayo Idowu, 75, of DeSoto, Dr. James Carlisle Jr., 53, of Southlake, and nurse practitioner Vaughn Brozek, 56.
Prosecutors allege the group participated in a scheme involving medically unnecessary electroencephalogram (EEG) testing.
Investigators claim the testing was ordered in exchange for kickbacks and generated more than $25 million in false Medicare claims between 2020 and 2023.
All three have been charged with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud.
Additional Schemes Targeted Medicare Programs
Authorities also accused Catherine Maduka, 66, of operating a hospice company that allegedly billed Medicare for patients who did not qualify for hospice care.
Investigators claim the scheme generated more than $3.1 million in false claims.
In another case, prosecutors charged Jason Mareno, 52, of Irving, and Duc Ngoc Ly, also known as Michael Ly, 52, of Frisco, in connection with an operation involving unwanted COVID-19 test kits.
According to investigators, patient information was used to send test kits that individuals never requested, including some patients who were deceased.
Authorities allege the scheme generated more than $73 million in Medicare claims and involved illegal kickback payments.
Telemarketing Operation Also Under Investigation
Federal prosecutors further accused Neel Vivek Paithankar, 25, of Irving, of operating a scheme that used telemarketers posing as Medicare representatives.
Investigators claim patients were pressured into receiving medical equipment they neither requested nor needed.
According to authorities:
- Approximately $2.3 million was billed
- Roughly $1.2 million was paid
- Charges include healthcare fraud and conspiracy
Teen Who Dreamed of Becoming a Nurse Dies During First Visit to Sequoia National Park
Investigations Continue Nationwide
Federal officials said the enforcement action has already resulted in hundreds of provider suspensions and additional investigations remain ongoing.
Authorities emphasized that all criminal charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The sweeping crackdown highlights ongoing efforts by federal and state agencies to combat healthcare fraud and protect taxpayer-funded healthcare programs from abuse.
What are your thoughts on large-scale healthcare fraud investigations?
Do you believe stronger oversight is needed to protect Medicare, TRICARE, and other public healthcare programs? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.