Attorney General's News Release

August 31, 2011

Attorney General Koster files criminal charges in Medicaid fraud case -- St. Louis man faces 12 felony counts--

Jefferson City, Mo.— Attorney General Chris Koster said today Jornel Williams, 77, a personal care services provider and owner of Eagle Home Health Care, Inc., in St. Louis, has been charged with eleven felony counts of Medicaid fraud and one felony count of stealing by deceit. Williams is charged with submitting fraudulent claims to Medicaid for reimbursement by billing Medicaid for home nurse visits that were not actually provided.

Koster said his Medicaid Fraud Control Unit led the investigation upon becoming aware of suspicious billings through a separate investigation. The investigation revealed that Williams fraudulently billed Medicaid for more than $23,000 for nurse visits during 2008, 2009, and 2010.

Williams is charged with 12 class C felonies, punishable by up to 7 years for each violation, plus penalties and restitution.

As in all criminal cases, the charges against the defendant are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Koster said citizens should report suspected Medicaid provider fraud or abuse and neglect to his Medicaid Fraud Hotline toll free at 800-286-3932, e-mail the complaint to attorney.general@ago.mo.gov or complete a complaint form at the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud website.