Prosecutors say a Minneapolis man turned Minnesota’s Medicaid program into his personal payday, allegedly pocketing nearly $70,000 for care that never happened.
Fernando Navarro was charged this week with four felony counts after investigators concluded he billed Minnesota’s Medicaid program for personal-care services that were never provided. According to the complaint, the alleged false claims stretched over multiple reporting periods and totaled about $69,980.68 in improper payments.
Charges and what prosecutors allege
The criminal complaint, filed in Hennepin County Court, charges Navarro with four felony counts of theft by false representation, each tied to alleged losses greater than $5,000. Investigators say Navarro submitted time sheets to Partners in Community Support, seeking reimbursement through the Minnesota Department of Human Services, even after the child listed as the recipient of care had moved to California.
According to the complaint, Navarro allegedly continued billing for at least 25 months after that move, with the disputed reimbursements divided into four separate billing periods. Together, those periods total $69,980.68 in alleged overpayments, as outlined in documents cited by FOX 9.
Investigation and statewide context
The case is unfolding against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny of Medicaid billing in Minnesota. Federal and state authorities have been ramping up enforcement, with federal prosecutors earlier this year announcing a broad set of indictments tied to tens of millions of dollars in alleged Medicaid fraud.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has also been working closely with federal partners on related investigations, according to a recent statement from the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. Separate coverage by CBS Minnesota has highlighted the broader statewide crackdown.
Legal implications
Each felony count Navarro faces carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a $20,000 fine, or both, according to the criminal complaint. The charges were filed in Hennepin County Court, and if he is convicted, Navarro could also be ordered to pay restitution as part of the state’s efforts to recover the alleged fraudulent payments.
The potential penalties and alleged conduct are detailed in charging documents reviewed by FOX 9.
What’s next
Authorities have not publicly specified Navarro’s next court date. Case updates, including upcoming hearings and newly filed documents, are expected to be available through Hennepin County’s public case records and the Minnesota Judicial Branch’s online case-search tools.
For general access to local court records and case information, readers can visit the Hennepin County court records portal at Hennepin County Court.
