Sapone and Petrillo, LLP

18 NBA players charged in healthcare fraud case

On Behalf of | Oct 11, 2021 | Health Care Fraud

Healthcare insurance fraud is an issue across the United States. Those who are involved in a fraud case may find themselves facing serious criminal charges, including federal charges. Extensive fines, jail time and more could result. A person’s career and their future hang in the balance when they face fraud charges.

Several NBA players are encountering this reality with recent fraud charges.

Healthcare fraud case

Eighteen former NBA players have been charged in a multi-million-dollar healthcare fraud scheme. Terrance Williams allegedly orchestrated the healthcare fraud scheme where he recruited other former NBA players and supplied them with fake healthcare invoices that they would submit to the NBA’s Health and Welfare Benefit Plan.

It’s alleged that the players submitted these fraudulent claims for medical and dental services that were not rendered. Further allegations include that over the course of the scheme, the defendants submitted nearly $4 million in false claims to their healthcare plan.

The investigation uncovered, using GPS methods, that many of the defendants were not located in the vicinity of where the service they allegedly received on the dates provided on the invoice.

The defendants have been charged with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and wire fraud which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

 Criminal defense attorney important for a defendant’s future

When a person is facing serious charges, such as healthcare fraud, it is imperative that they have an attorney who specializes in white collar criminal defense. An attorney understands that their client’s future and their reputation is on the line. They will aggressively defend their client against these charges and make sure their side of the story is heard. They will use their experience to address the charges against their client, defend their rights and create the best possible results for their case.