State v Burch; Update (Medicaid Fraud)
Some time ago I was retained by Keondra Burch. Keondra and her fiancé had been
operating a real Medicaid facility. Not the Minnesota false Medicaid facility, but real and
genuine facility. A facility wherein “real” services are provided. The customer, or relative
would appear. Forms would be filled out, and doctor approval would occur. Thereupon
forms would be sent to the Medicaid office, and approved hours would be received.
Thereupon, Keondra, and Brandon, (who are registered nurses) would perform approved
services, or their staff who were qualified would do the same. Again, these were
properly licensed and serving agents for Medicaid and properly performing lawful duties
in all manner.
So what happened? In case no. 2023-CF-000959-A the State became involved. It
appears to this attorney that the fees were approved and later questioned by the
agency. The doctor or his staff thereupon declared that the form had been forged. Had
it? Keondra Burch did not forge it, for the forms had been received executed when she
received it. There was no mark, or alteration to suggest she had altered the document.
Had the doctor committed an error and was the doctor covering his tracks or those of
an employee? When the State discovered this fact, it appeared they could not link any
fault, or misdoing to either Keondra Burch, or her agency. Upon motion, the State
properly Nolle Prosquied, (dismissed suit). That was an appropriate decision. A decision
which should have been investigated before the arrest and charges by the Lake County
Sheriff’s Office.
Associated with this case originated, case no. 2023-CF-0314. This was a charge of
Fraudlent Use of Another’s Identity to Commit Medicaid Fraud, in violation of Fla. Stat.
2023-CF-0314; as well as Grand Theft, Fla. Stat. 812.014(2)(c )(3). What happened?
Keondra Burch had applied for a loan. The loan agent appears to have misplaced the
name of the borrower on the wrong paperwork. The second company having a name
almost identical to that of the victim. Keondra Burch did not fill out the forms. Once
discovered, the complainant was made whole. No individual from the lender would step
forward and proper proof of improper use of identification could not be established.
Likewise, the State thereafter properly filed a Nolle Prosqui, (dismissal), alleviating
Keondra from serious imprisonment in jail.
Counsel, can say, only after entanglement in these actions, the problems of Medicaid
Fraud sprang up across the country. It is a national epidemic with real individuals
committing serious fraud throughout our nation. Thus, indeed counsel was nervous of
this fact. Concerned with the nation’s mindset, it was concerning to be thinking of a trial.
Prepared to proceed to trial, however, the State discovered the errors. Sitting and
discussing the case, a proper analysis thereupon transpired by the Office of the State
Attorney, and justice was done at the internal side. We can thank the State, and yet
would caution the public, never underestimate the problems which you too may face
tomorrow. We live in a huge bureaucracy, and it takes little to land an accusation of
guilt, or misdoing. Thus, I aways caution clients: “Guard your freedom for it is way too
easy to get into trouble today. Agencies make accusations and then the problem is
yours.”
Should such problems ever surface, please call me. We are always pleased to
stand by those in need to the end. However, be prepared to pay a reasonable fee for
our services for we do not compromise justice and are not going to push you into a plea
resolution for a quick disposition. We value your freedom.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey W. Wiggs, Esq.
307 N. Barrow Ave.
Tavares, Fl. 32778
Ph: (352) 253-0100
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