ST. MARY’S COUNTY WOMAN ARRESTED FOR MEDICAID FRAUD

Maryland Attorney General J. Joseph Curran, Jr. announced today that Rebecca Lynn Arbogast, 47, formerly of St. Mary’s County was arrested on August 22, 2006 on an outstanding warrant for charges of Medicaid fraud and theft brought against her in a two count indictment returned by the Grand Jury of St. Mary’s County on May 24, 2006. Ms. Arbogast’s whereabouts were unknown until her arrest.

The indictment charges Arbogast with defrauding the Maryland Medicaid program through a course of conduct from on or about April 19, 2005 through on or about June 30, 2005 by submitting claims to Medicaid representing that she had provided personal care services to a St. Mary’s County Medicaid recipient when in fact she had not provided the services. She is also charged with felony theft for stealing money in excess of $500 from the Medicaid program.

An indictment is merely an accusation and all persons are presumed guilty unless and until they are convicted. Medicaid fraud is punishable by a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a fine of $100,000 or both. Felony theft is punishable by a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment and a fine of $25,000 or both.

This case is being prosecuted by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Attorney General’s Office.