A search warrant was recently executed at a business consultancy in Michigan by federal special agents. This followed allegations of white collar crimes in the form of health care fraud that was reported to investigators from the U.S. Inspector General's Office. Federal agents from offices in two other states joined Michigan agents in searching the premises of Anesthesia Business Consultants.
The agent in charge said the health care fraud allegation included the Medicaid and Medicare programs, along with certain private insurers. He said the investigation was expected to take about a week to complete. The investigation reportedly involves approximately 20 agents, assisted by the services of 19 computer forensic examiners. Their task includes imaging the computer server, desktop computers, and laptops while the agents will search several offices.
Employees of the company were reportedly not surprised when they were sent home while the investigation is carried out. Some of them alleged that company operations sometimes appear to be suspect, and one compared the situation to a ticking time bomb. However, special agents reminded the public that they are investigating allegations only, and no criminal activity has been documented yet.
Michigan residents who are suspected of committing state or federal white collar crimes will certainly benefit from retaining the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney. A lawyer who focuses on defending those who are accused of fraud or other white collar crimes will examine all allegations and launch an individual investigation before building a defense strategy for any criminal charges that may be filed. Such charges typically have far-reaching consequences, but the government prosecutors have the burden of proof to prove the allegations in court and beyond a reasonable doubt.
Source: wlns.com, "Health care fraud accusations prompt federal raid", Genna Hilgenbrink, July 15, 2015