An Imperial County dentist, Javad Aghaloo, was hit with a 37-month prison sentence for pulling off a multimillion-dollar Medicare fraud scheme. The fraudster dentist, along with his billing manager Melissa Rosas, conspired to bill Medicare for teeth extractions and other dental services that were either not provided or not necessary. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, the shakedown included the submission of over 7,000 bogus claims, resulting in a whopping $8.5 million bill footed by the government.
The duo did not only stick to strictly false billing, they went so far as to actively attempt to obstruct a federal audit to cover their tracks, with Rosas providing misleading information during Medicare's attempt to double-check the books. They recruited Medicare beneficiaries under the false pretenses that their dental work would be covered, and then proceeded to knowingly file false claims. U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath slammed the unethical practices, saying "Doctors should treat patients, not exploit them." This office is committed to protecting vulnerable patients from doctors who take advantage of them, particularly when they do so with no regard for patient safety."
Judge Jinsook Ohta also mandated Aghaloo to forfeit property purchased from the fraudulent funds, worth in excess of $1 million, and to pay back nearly $8.5 million in restitution to Medicare. While Aghaloo is set to begin his stint behind bars, Rosas has received a sentence of three years probation, which includes one year of home confinement. Still awaiting sentencing is Theresa Flores, Aghaloo's office manager, who also pled guilty to her part in hindering the audit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Alexander, who prosecuted the case, underscored the gravity of the defendants' actions. With healthcare fraud across the nation draining necessary funds and damaging the integrity of essential services, sentences like these are meant to serve as a stark deterrent to would-be fraudsters. Aghaloo and Rosas faced felony charges with maximum penalties of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Aghaloo received less than the maximum sentence but will now have to grapple with both the financial and personal freedom consequences of his grievous breach of trust.
