Six individuals were sentenced on March 17 in U.S. District Court in Lynchburg for their roles in a healthcare fraud scheme that stole approximately $10 million from the Virginia Medicaid system over six years.
The case highlights ongoing efforts to protect public funds and ensure accountability for those who defraud government programs. The defendants, associated with 1st Adult N Pediatric Healthcare Services, submitted false claims to Medicaid for services that were never provided.
Carolyn Bryant-Taylor, Kafomdi Josephine Okocha, and Samuel Okocha—owners of the healthcare agency—received prison sentences of 120 months, 96 months, and 72 months respectively. Three other participants, Eno Utuk, Elizabeth Ilome, and Shekita Gore, were sentenced to probation. All six were ordered to pay $10 million in restitution to Virginia Medicaid.
Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said, “This United States Attorney’s Office will hold accountable those who commit healthcare fraud and steal from hardworking Americans. I commend the FBI and the Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for their diligent work in bringing these individuals to justice and protecting hardworking Virginians.” Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division added, “These sentences make clear that fraud against federally funded programs is theft from the American people. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure those who steal taxpayer funds are held accountable.”
According to court documents, the owners operated a Medicaid-enrolled home health agency providing nursing and personal care services throughout Virginia. The group conspired between 2017 and 2023 by submitting fraudulent claims using falsified records and documentation. In some cases, parents or guardians of patients were paid for blank signed nursing notes used as support for billing Medicaid for unprovided or excessive services.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virginia Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit led the investigation with help from the Department of Health and Human Services. Prosecutors included Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Jones and Laura Taylor as well as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Terry from the Virginia Attorney General’s Office.
The Attorney General of Virginia supports civil rights enforcement and victim assistance programs according to its official website. The office also provides legal counsel to state agencies while promoting public safety and defending constitutional rights as detailed online. Miyares serves as the 48th Attorney General of Virginia according to official information, serving all residents across the Commonwealth as reported by its website. The office addresses issues such as human trafficking and domestic violence through legal advocacy according to its news releases and offers consumer protection resources including identity theft prevention tools as noted online.
The sentencing underscores law enforcement’s commitment to combating healthcare fraud affecting public resources.
