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Insurance Fraud Ringleader Faces 12 Years for Billing Health Care Plan for Sex Services

Posted by Vitaly Sigal | Nov 14, 2022 | 0 Comments

The owner of three supposed “wellness” centers in the Long Beach area has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care insurance fraud and one count of aggravated identify theft, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California reported Sept. 14.

Sara Victoria, 46, of San Pedro, was charged along with eight others, seven of whom are Port of Long Beach dock workers belonging to the International Longshore and Warehouse Union – Pacific Maritime Association (ILWU-PMA).

For Services Rendered

The dock workers are alleged to have conspired with Victoria to bill their union's health care plan for acupuncture and chiropractic services that were never rendered – and for sex services that were.

The USAO said Victoria, the group's ringleader, hired women from referrals and strip clubs in the Long Beach area to provide sex services. The union members who received the sex services allowed Victoria to submit false claims to the union's healthcare program. In exchange, Victoria paid kickbacks to the union members.

Four of the dockworkers are expected to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud. The other three will plead guilty to one count of theft in connection with health care, the L.A. Times reported on Sept. 15. An employee of Victoria has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy.

The USAO said that Victoria submitted more than $2.1 million in fraudulent claims to the health plan, although the plan only paid $551,810. Prosecutors said she faces 12 years in federal prison, the maximum sentence allowable.

Lawyer Up

Sometimes, it's easy to get caught up in an enticing fraud scheme, but if the FBI places you under arrest, exercise your right to stay silent until you have legal counsel.

The Sigal Law Group is known for its aggressive defense in federal criminal matters. If you face federal charges, they can help. For a free consultation, call 818-325-0570.

About the Author

Vitaly Sigal

Vitaly Sigal Sigal Law Group Owner 355 S. Grand Ave, Suite 2450 Los Angeles, CA 90071 (213) 620-0212 Vitaly Sigal has extensive trial experience and is not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary. From straightforward to complex litigation, Mr. Sigal handles every case with the same i...

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