Trump-June HHS Taskforce Unleashes LA Hospice Sweep, 15 Charged
Key Takeaways
- Eight people arrested; fifteen charged in Southern California hospice fraud crackdown.
- Defendants include nurses, a chiropractor, and a psychologist.
- Fraud involved sham hospice facilities submitting false Medicare claims totaling millions.
Epic Fraud Uncovered
The Trump-June HHS Taskforce arrested 15 defendants in Southern California charged with running sham hospice centers.
“8 arrests made in federal crackdown on alleged health care fraud in Southern California LOS ANGELES (AP) — Federal officials on Thursday arrested eight people they say were involved in various health care fraud schemes totaling $50 million in and around Los Angeles”
The flagship case focused on Covina's 626 Hospice, owned by psychologist Gladwin Gill and nurse Amelou Gill.
Prosecutors alleged the Gills paid illegal kickbacks and filed more than $5.2 million in fraudulent claims.
The couple allegedly used the funds for personal expenses including mortgage payments and air travel.
Political Showdown
The operation was launched less than a week after Trump named JD Vance to lead the anti-fraud commission.
Essayli blasted Gov. Newsom for presiding over a kingdom of fraud.
Newsom noted California banned new hospice licenses in 2021 and revoked more than 280 licenses since then.
The timing came as the Trump administration's Iran war funding was absorbing billions.
Methodical Deception
The defendants targeted vulnerable people, paying $300 monthly cash plus free vitamins for non-terminal individuals.
“LOS ANGELES - Federal investigators and top Trump administration officials announced a massive crackdown on hospice fraud in Los Angeles Thursday, vowing to "stop the lies" and recover billions in stolen taxpayer funds”
One operator allegedly ran fraudulent hospices while incarcerated.
Some facilities had survival rates vastly exceeding national averages.
Investigators warned some schemes may have transnational elements.
Dissonant Coverage
Coverage focused heavily on the political spectacle of Trump and Vance targeting blue states.
The $50 million figure and number of arrests were acknowledged.
Local outlets included more detail on defendants and allegations of kickbacks.
The narrative gap highlights the challenge amid partisan firestorms.
More on Crime
US-Arrest Health Care Fraud Nets 8 in SoCal; $50M Hospice Schemes
11 sources compared
Pooh Shiesty and Big30 Kidnap Gucci Mane, Force Contract Release
14 sources compared
US Federal Authorities Arrest Eight in $50M Southern California Hospice Fraud
13 sources compared
ICC Assembly Votes to Proceed with Disciplinary Action Against Prosecutor Khan
10 sources compared