Justice in numbers – the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas pulled in over $55 million last year from civil settlements and judgments, as per a recent announcement. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza highlighted the success of his team, who handled more than 25 cases, teaming up with other attorney's offices and the Department of Justice's Civil Division at times to bring financial redress to the public and the people of Western Texas in their work throughout 2024.
“I am proud of my office’s work this year to achieve several significant civil recoveries for American taxpayers and the people of the Western District of Texas," said Esparza, according to a statement on the DOJ website. The bulk of this hefty sum, Esparza's office notes, came from proceedings involving the False Claims Act (FCA), including a notable $21.75 million settlement with Medisca, Inc., and a $15.875 million settlement with Booz Allen Hamilton, both concerning allegations of false claims.
Focused on recovering taxpayer dollars, other large settlements in 2024 featured a $4.2 million payment from Elara Caring and its subsidiaries, accused of hospice service claims for non-terminally ill patients, and a $2.3 million judgment against Ma Acupuncture Center over inflated bills. Notably, a $2 million resolution with Five Point Enterprises LLC and a $1.3 million agreement with Oncology San Antonio were also sealed, based on allegations of false educational assistance claims, and unlawful kickbacks and medically unnecessary tests and treatments, respectively.
The office didn't stop there. It also turned its attention to COVID-fraud cases, securing settlements totaling $680,000 with Lafayette RE Management LLC and Thibault Adrien, and $425,710 with Freedom Solar LLC. They faced allegations of abusing the Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness process, the office alleged. In the realm of controlled substances, significant civil penalties were enforced. A $600,000 settlement with Dr. Alfonso Luevano – with a notable portion attributed to CSA civil penalties – and a $300,000 agreement with Shrieve Chemical Company LLC, both highlighted issues of prescription abuse and regulatory noncompliance. Meanwhile, Sachnikumar Patel and associated pharmacies settled for $210,000 to resolve charges concerning unregistered dispensing and recordkeeping failings.
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