Attorney General's News Release

June 23, 2005

Social worker to stand trial on Medicaid fraud charges

Fulton, Mo. — A licensed clinical social worker charged with 32 counts alleging she defrauded the Missouri Medicaid program will stand trial in Audrain County Circuit Court after she waived her preliminary hearing June 22.

Cheryl Jean Apollo (DOB 2/9/47) of East Peoria, Ill., allegedly submitted fraudulent Medicaid claims from January 2002 to May 2003 while she was an employee of Evergreen Behavioral Services in Mexico, according to a probable cause statement submitted with the charges. The office of Attorney General Jay Nixon is working with Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney Jason H. Lamb with the case.

Lamb filed the charges against Apollo on April 25. She faces three counts of stealing by deceit, a class C felony punishable upon conviction by up to seven years in prison and a $5,000 fine. She also faces 29 counts of making a false statement to receive a Medicaid payment, a class D felony punishable upon conviction by up to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Her arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. July 22 in Audrain County Circuit Court.

The charges against Apollo are merely accusations. As in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty 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 the Press Secretary.

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