HOUSTON, TX — In a sweeping move that has shaken the nation’s medical community, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced charges against 324 individuals, including 96 licensed medical professionals, in what it is calling the largest coordinated healthcare fraud takedown in American history.
The massive operation spans 50 federal districts, and its scope is staggering: an estimated $14.6 billion in false claims submitted to Medicare, Medicaid, and other healthcare programs. At the heart of this crackdown is Texas, particularly the Southern District, where nearly 50 individuals, including more than 15 medical professionals in the Houston area, have been indicted.
Richmond Hospice Scam Exposed
Among the most egregious cases is that of three Richmond residents accused of operating a fraudulent hospice company—United Palliative & Hospice Company. According to charging documents, vulnerable seniors were misled into thinking they were receiving home health care, when in fact, they were billed for unnecessary hospice services.
Dera Ogudo, 39, is accused of bribing physicians to falsely declare patients terminally ill and paying illegal kickbacks to group home operators to enroll residents into the fraudulent program. The scheme exploited elderly patients for profit while billing the government for services that were never required.
Houston Clinic CEO & Podiatrist Accused of $90M Scam
In Houston, a podiatrist and the CEO of a medical clinic allegedly billed Medicare more than $90 million for high-cost skin substitute products—often for patients who had no qualifying wounds. The charges suggest a deliberate and large-scale effort to drain taxpayer-funded programs for personal gain.
Opioid & Money Laundering Charges Filed in Houston
Another Houston resident is accused of distributing opioids and laundering money through local pharmacies, fueling both the healthcare crisis and the opioid epidemic in the region. The indictment claims the individual used the pharmacy network to push large quantities of controlled substances while concealing the profits through shell businesses and false records.
Nationwide Sweep, Seizure of Luxury Assets
The operation involved the collaboration of 12 state attorneys general and included the seizure of luxury vehicles, real estate, and large sums of cash tied to the fraudulent activities. DOJ’s Matthew Galeoti, head of the criminal division, emphasized that this takedown sends a strong message to those exploiting the healthcare system: “We are coming for you.”
Public Reaction: “Sack Them All”
As news of the indictments spread, public outrage has surged, with many Americans demanding permanent license revocations, prosecutions, and tougher oversight of healthcare providers. The sentiment on social media and public forums is clear: “Sack them all” has become a rallying cry against what many see as a betrayal of public trust.
Wide-Ranging Fraud Tactics
The DOJ revealed that the fraudulent schemes included:
• Genetic testing scams
• Durable Medical Equipment (DME) fraud
• Bogus telemedicine services
• Billing for medically unnecessary treatments
• Opioid prescription mills
Legal Reminder
While the charges are serious, the DOJ reminds the public that an indictment is only an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This historic crackdown aims to restore integrity to the healthcare system, protect vulnerable patients, and serve justice to those who profited from deception and exploitation. As the legal process unfolds, the nation watches closely—demanding accountability and change.
