A Reno OB-GYN, Dr. Samuel R. Chacon, faced charges in federal court today after being accused of running a health care fraud scheme. The owner of Women’s Health Center of Reno, with surgical privileges at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center and Renown Regional Medical Center, allegedly submitted false claims for tests and procedures that were not medically necessary. These claims were made to various healthcare benefit programs including Medicaid and several insurance providers.
The charges, as laid out in the indictment, span from January 1, 2017, to November 22, 2022, and include one count of health care fraud and eight counts of false statements related to health care matters. Dr. Chacon is alleged to have falsified medical records, inventing symptoms and complaints to justify unnecessary surgeries, which in some cases led to serious complications. The U.S. Attorney's Office states that the indictment is an accusation with the defendant presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto of the FBI Las Vegas Division expressed, "FBI Las Vegas is determined to hold bad actors in healthcare accountable for exploiting our healthcare programs," as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Delzotto emphasized the commitment of the FBI to bringing to justice those who manipulate the healthcare system for personal gain. A trial is scheduled for November 18, 2025, before United States District Judge Anne R. Traum.
If convicted of all charges, Dr. Chacon faces a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison. Sentences, however, are at the discretion of a federal district court judge and will be determined according to federal guidelines and other statutory factors. The case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andolyn Johnson, was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
For individuals who think they may have been victimized by Dr. Chacon, or who possess information that may aid the investigation, a short form is provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to collect pertinent details.
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