In a serious blow against Medicaid fraud, federal prison sentences have been handed down to the top executives of a Matteson-based mental health foundation. Summer Matheson and her husband, Terrence Ewing, who served as the chief operators of the Laynie Foundation Inc., have been sentenced on charges of defrauding the state's Medicaid program to the tune of $2.5 million, as reported by the Chicago Tribune.
The couple was accused of billing Illinois Medicaid for more services than were provided. This fraudulent activity took place from 2011 until 2018. In an attempt to cover their tracks, they instructed employees to backdate and alter patient records. According to information from WGN-TV, the foundation sought to unjustly enrich itself by submitting claims for nonreimbursable activities, including internal case reviews and staff training.
Matheson, 46, has received a 6-year sentence, while Ewing, 62, will serve 4 ½ years for their roles in the scheme. An earlier sentence was given to Richard Grundy, another employee, who was handed 3 years and 1 month in prison. The Chicago Tribune detailed how monetary benefits from this scheme were lavishly spent on luxury cars, sports tickets, and travel by the couple.
The legal proceedings also brought to light the couple's request for staggered sentencing to allow for continued childcare for their two sons. "The family is indigent and lacks the resources to implement sufficient safeguards for their sons," their attorney stated, as quoted by the Chicago Tribune. It remains unclear whether the judge’s sentencing took this request into account. Despite this plea, the sentence reflects a clear message: Medicaid fraud is a serious crime with substantial penalties.
