Houston woman admits to defrauding charity organization of more than $65K

[okarol]

Houston woman admits to defrauding charity organization of more than $65K

Posted: Monday, August 11, 2014 5:03 pm
By Submitted
Simone Nicole Gary, 36, of Houston, has pleaded guilty to mail fraud and Social Security fraud in relation to the submission of fraudulent claims to the American Kidney Fund (AKF), announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson.
On July 15, 2010, Gary used the name and Social Security number of another person to obtain employment at Fresenius Medical Clinic (FMC) in Houston as a financial coordinator. As part of her duties, Gary assisted clients with their financial needs and verified insurance information.
FMC provides kidney dialysis to patients with kidney failure and is a longtime client of AKF, located in Rockville, Md. AKF awards financial grants to dialysis patients to obtain health care insurance. AKF has an online process which allows a dialysis clinic to submit a grant application on behalf of a patient.
While employed at FMC, Gary submitted fraudulent applications to AKF for grants to patients undergoing dialysis. As a result, AKF mailed grant checks payable to these patients to the attention of Gary at FMC in Houston. Gary took these checks, forged patient signatures and then deposited them into her own bank account.
As a result of the scheme, AKF suffered a loss of $65,768.78.
U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes, who accepted the guilty plea today, has set sentencing for Nov. 10, 2014. At that time, she faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the mail fraud and up to five years for the Social Security fraud. Both convictions also carry as possible punishment a $250,000 fine. The court has also entered an order imposing a monetary judgment in the amount of $65,768.78.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Secret Service and Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney John Braddock is prosecuting.

http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/west_university/news/houston-woman-admits-to-defrauding-charity-organization-of-more-than/article_2245ba41-9ede-5509-ab8f-d92c43080c61.html

[iolaire]

On July 15, 2010, Gary used the name and Social Security number of another person to obtain employment at Fresenius Medical Clinic (FMC) in Houston as a financial coordinator.

All that I can say is that I'm glad they caught her within four years.  Its sickening to see how long fraud can go on without being detected.  We supposedly have audits and all that but they don't catch stuff like that.

[PrimeTimer]

On July 15, 2010, Gary used the name and Social Security number of another person to obtain employment at Fresenius Medical Clinic (FMC) in Houston as a financial coordinator.

All that I can say is that I'm glad they caught her within four years.  Its sickening to see how long fraud can go on without being detected.  We supposedly have audits and all that but they don't catch stuff like that.

Altho I am reluctant to say where I worked and in which field, I will say that I was an auditor and specialized in fraud. The public would be both angered and shocked to know how much auditors miss, ignore or are told to ignore, including government auditors. This case does not surprise me. All types of fraud is rampant and negatively affects EVERYONE. The fact that this lady stole from an organization meant to help kidney patients makes it even more sickening.