Three Indicted in Multi-State Prescription Fraud Ring

Strategic Insights -

The US Attorney's office for the Northern District of New York announced the indictment of Ciera Washington, Raven White, and Bryan Otero for their alleged involvement in a multi-state prescription fraud ring. The scheme, which targeted pharmacies throughout the northeastern United States, involved stealing identities, submitting fraudulent prescriptions, and selling the prescribed medications. The indictment alleges that the conspirators committed healthcare fraud, healthcare fraud conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft.

Key Takeaways:

  • The defendants, Ciera Washington, Raven White, and Bryan Otero, allegedly targeted pharmacies throughout the northeastern United States, submitting fraudulent prescriptions and selling the prescribed medications.
  • The scheme involved stealing identities, using the names, dates of birth, and Medicaid identification numbers of various individuals to submit prescriptions to pharmacies.
  • The conspirators dispatched rideshare drivers to pick up the medications, whose costs were substantially covered by Medicaid, and then sold the prescribed drugs.
  • The defendants are charged with healthcare fraud, healthcare fraud conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft, which carry a maximum term of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to twice the loss amount.
  • The charges in the indictment are mere accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
  • The investigation, led by the FBI, HHS-OIG, and the New York State Comptroller, involves Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner.

Statistics:

  • The indictment alleges that the conspiracy operated between April 2023 and October 2024.
  • The scheme targeted pharmacies in multiple states across the northeastern United States.
  • The defendants allegedly stole identities of at least 50 individuals, using their personal information to submit fraudulent prescriptions.
  • The scheme resulted in Medicaid paying for the prescribed medications, which were then sold by the conspirators.
  • The healthcare fraud and conspiracy charges filed against the defendants carry a maximum term of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to twice the loss amount.

Sources:

  • US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York:

* "Three Indicted in Multi-State Prescription Fraud Ring"

* August 15

* https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/three-indicted-multi-state-prescription-fraud-ring