One Sentenced for Health Care Fraud and Two Sentenced for Conspiracy to Receive Illegal Kickbacks

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ZELLISHA DEJEAN, age 39, VERINESE SUTTON, age 64, and LARRY TAYLOR, age 69, all of New Orleans, were sentenced today for their roles in approximately $30,252,905 in Medicare fraud.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced DEJEAN to two years probation and $1,690.12 in restitution. SUTTON and TAYLOR were each sentenced to two years probation and a $2,000 fine.

On June 29, 2016, DEJEAN pled guilty to one count of health care fraud.

According to court documents, DEJEAN worked as an RN for PRIORITY CARE AT HOME, INC. d/b/a ABIDE HOME CARE SERVICES (ABIDE), a home health company operated by owner LISA CRINEL. Her duties included assessing the status of her patients, initiating a plan of care, evaluating patient needs, providing comprehensive nursing care, among other things.

On June 8, 2016, SUTTON pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to receive illegal kickbacks.

According to court documents, SUTTON operated two unlicensed group homes that served as residences to several Medicare beneficiaries with psychiatric diagnoses.

On June 3, 2016, TAYLOR pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to receive illegal kickbacks.

According to court documents, TAYLOR was a driver and patient recruiter in the New Orleans area who transported patients on behalf of another co-defendant MICHAEL JONES, who was paid by ABIDE for referring patients. MICHAEL JONES was found guilty following a four- week trial and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 27, 2017.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrice Harris Sullivan, Hayden M. Brockett, Sharan Lieberman and Maria Carboni were in charge of the prosecution.