Couple Convicted In $80M Bogus Home Care Scheme In D.C.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A couple have been convicted of health care fraud in a scheme prosecutors say stole $80 million in Medicaid payments from the District of Columbia government.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington said in a news release Monday that a federal jury in the District convicted 52-year-old Florence Bikundi and her husband, 63-year-old Michael Bikundi Sr., last week.

Prosecutors say the Bikundis led a scheme to bill Medicaid for services that weren't provided. Authorities say they recruited others, including relatives, and created fraudulent paperwork to hide the illegal activity.

Prosecutors say the conspirators persuaded patients to fake illness or injury so they could bill Medicaid for home care they didn't receive. Officials say the Bikundis lived in a million-dollar home and had numerous luxury vehicles, including a $140,000 Land Rover.

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