HOUSTON—Tony Nnonso Obi, 56, a
naturalized U.S. citizen from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has entered a
plea of guilty for his role in a massive health care fraud conspiracy that
billed the Medicare and Medicaid programs for more than $45 million, United
States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.
Obi was convicted of one count of
conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of money laundering.
As part of his plea, Obi admitted to
entering into an agreement with the owner of City Nursing, Umawa Imo, to
receive 15 percent of the money City Nursing obtained from Medicare for
services billed on individuals referred to City Nursing by Obi or on Obi’s
behalf. Imo, who is currently serving more than 27 years in federal prison for
his role in the conspiracy, paid Obi $1,051,425.28. At least three of the
beneficiaries taken to City Nursing by Obi were individuals living in Obi’s
assisted living facility. Obi also admitted to paying beneficiaries and
recruiters and handling office matters when Imo was out of the office.
Obi faces up to 10 years in prison and a
$250,000 fine for each count. U.S. District Judge Kennth Hoyt, who accepted the
plea today, has set sentencing for November 5, 2012. He has been in custody
since his April 3, 2012 arrest, where he will remain pending that sentencing
hearing.
Six others have also been convicted in
relation to this scheme. The investigation into City Nursing was the result of
a joint investigation by agents of the FBI, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal
Investigation, the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector
General, and the Texas Attorney General’s Office-Medicare Fraud Control Unit.
Assistant United States Attorney Julie Redlinger is prosecuting the case.
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