Attorney General's News Release

September 30, 1999

Nixon, Pulaski County P.A. Headrick file nine-count felony complaint against Rolla licensed clinical social worker

Waynesville, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon and Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney Michael V. Headrick yesterday filed criminal charges against a Rolla licensed clinical social worker for alleged Medicaid fraud and state income tax evasion.

The nine-count felony complaint alleges that Gloria Bell-Wisdom overbilled the state's Medicaid program and failed to pay state income taxes in 1996 and 1997. Bell-Wisdom (DOB 7/27/48) was taken into custody last night; the court has set her bond at $50,000.

The charges allege that she:

• Falsely represented to the state Medicaid program that she provided individual and family psychological counseling to patients in order to receive payments;
• Appropriated by deceit a health care payment of at least $750 from the Medicaid program; and
• Failed to file a Missouri income tax return or pay Missouri income tax liability for 1996 and 1997.

The four counts of making a false statement to receive a health care payment are class D felonies under Missouri law, each punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The one count of stealing by deceit is a class C felony, punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The four counts of failure to fail or pay Missouri income taxes are each punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The charges against Bell-Wisdom are merely accusations, and, as in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven otherwise in a court of law.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818