Two South Carolina Defendants Charged in Nation’s Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown
COLUMBIA, SC — Two South Carolina residents have been indicted as part of what federal officials are calling the largest healthcare fraud and illegal drug diversion takedown in U.S. history, involving over $14.6 billion in false claims and schemes nationwide.
The Department of Justice announced that 324 people have been charged across the country, including two high-profile cases linked to Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Affairs fraud in South Carolina.
Florence woman accused of medical equipment fraud
Tina Marie Armstrong, 67, of Florence, has been charged with healthcare fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection to her business, Safe at Home Medical Equipment and Supplies, LLC.
Prosecutors say Armstrong submitted $198,981.55 in false and fraudulent claims, of which more than $104,000 was actually paid out. The durable medical equipment she billed for was either not authorized, not delivered, or no longer functioning, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.
Her case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston Holliday.
Veterans allegedly defrauded in Aiken
The second case involves Dee Alice Moton, 51, of Hephzibah, Georgia, who operated Flowing Hands Massage Clinical Therapy in Aiken, SC.
Moton was charged with healthcare fraud after allegedly billing the Veterans Administration more than $2.3 million for services that were either not rendered, not authorized, or medically impossible. Prosecutors say some claims included telehealth codes when services were in-person and therapy treatments for ailments the veterans did not have — including billing wheelchair therapy for a veteran who doesn’t use a wheelchair.
Her case is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Matthews and Amy Bower.
Details of the charges were released publicly by the DOJ and WIS News 10.
A warning for healthcare providers and the public
The DOJ has emphasized that these cases show how fraud harms vulnerable communities, including seniors and veterans. Officials seized more than $245 million in assets during the sweep, including luxury vehicles, cash, and fraud proceeds.
“Health care fraud steals from the American taxpayer and harms the systems meant to serve those in need,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling of South Carolina.
Should South Carolina increase oversight on private healthcare and veteran-related services? Join the discussion in the comments — and stay informed with more public interest news at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
