Two WMATA train operators, Michelle Shropshire and Harlisha Jones, have pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a health care fraud scheme involving nearly $60,000 in fraudulent payments. The scheme took place between June 2021 and January 2024 and involved mail fraud, wire fraud, and health care fraud, the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia reported.
Shropshire, from Waldorf, Md., admitted to coordinating a larger fraud involving other WMATA employees, totaling approximately $360,000 in false claims. Jones, from Clinton, Md., and Washington, D.C., used her AFLAC insurance policies to submit false claims for nonexistent injuries and treatments. Both operators created fake medical notes and physician statements with forged signatures. AFLAC paid Jones about $58,750, 20% of which was directed to Shropshire.
Shropshire also admitted to assisting other WMATA employees in submitting fraudulent health care and short-term disability claims, resulting in over $362,000 in illegitimate payouts. Five additional former WMATA employees have pleaded guilty in connection with the scheme. Sentencing is scheduled for Shropshire on June 11, and Jones on June 15. The FBI Washington Field Office and WMATA Office of Inspector General are continuing the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Kelly and Diane Lucas.
