Insurance Fraud Sentencing

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that the following people were sentenced December 8, 2011, on one count of health care insurance fraud against American Family Life Assurance Company, also known as AFLAC, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 1347(2) and 18 United States Code Section 2, before the Honorable Clay Land, United States District Court, Columbus, Georgia:

1. Ronnie Moore was sentenced to serve six months’ incarceration, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $53,301.25 jointly and severally with Guillermina Bressler, to befollowed by three years’ supervised release, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00;

2. Camille Toney was sentenced to three years’ probation to include home confinement with electronic monitoring, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,100.00, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00;

3. Steven Lester was sentenced to serve six months’ incarceration, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $61,676.25 jointly and severally with Travis Washington, to be followed by three years’ supervised release, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00;

4. Dontavious Dowdell was sentenced to serve six months’ incarceration, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $19, 960.25 jointly and severally with Danielle Mahone, to be followed by three years’ supervised release, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00;

5. Derrick Jones was sentenced to serve six months’ incarceration, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $39,980.00, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00;

The defendants submitted fraudulent claims against their supplemental insurance policies with AFLAC to fraudulently obtain funds ranging in various amounts. While AFLAC engages in various types of businesses, its primary function is to provide supplemental insurance (health care benefit program) to policyholders who are ill or injured, or both, and are unable to work.

United States Attorney Michael Moore said, “We remain committed to prosecuting cases of health care insurance fraud. By fighting fraud on a local level, U.S. Attorneys can make a difference nationwide.”

The case was investigated by Special Agent David Whitlow, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Verda Colvin.

For additional information please contact Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist at (478) 621-2602.