Fresno CEO Arrested, Accused of $7 Million VA Billing Fraud
On December 3 the chief executive of a Fresno based home health company was arrested at San Francisco International Airport on federal charges alleging more than $7 million in false billings to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The criminal complaint says roughly 10,000 false claims were submitted from December 2019 through July 2024, a scale that raises concerns about oversight, taxpayer exposure, and care for local veterans.
Federal prosecutors arrested the Fresno based company chief executive on December 3 after a criminal complaint alleged a multi year scheme to bill the Department of Veterans Affairs for home care services that were not provided. The complaint alleges about 10,000 false claims submitted between December 2019 and July 2024, including duplicate claims, billing for hours when caretakers were not present, and claims for care after some veterans had died.
The alleged misconduct totals more than $7 million in VA payments. That sum averages roughly $700 per claimed service, about $125,000 a month over the 56 month span, and close to $1.5 million per year. The volume of claims equates to roughly 179 claims per month and about 6 claims per day, illustrating how quickly small false billings can accumulate into a large loss for the federal program. Federal prosecutors also describe a geographic scope that extends beyond Fresno County, suggesting the alleged conduct affected veterans in multiple regions.
Local impact is immediate and practical. Veterans and their families who rely on in home caregiving may now face increased scrutiny when arranging services, and legitimate home health providers in Fresno County could see tighter contracting and slower payments as the VA and other payers expand audits. Taxpayers and county officials should expect possible recovery efforts by the VA and the Department of Justice, and the prospect of civil enforcement actions that can affect local budgets and provider networks.
Policy implications are broader. The allegations point to weaknesses in verification controls for paid home care, including gaps in real time visit confirmation and cross checking with death records. Strengthening electronic visit verification, improving coordination between the VA and local veterans service organizations, and expanding periodic audits could reduce future risk. For Fresno County the case underscores the need for vigilance by social services, veterans outreach programs, and family members who arrange care.
The defendant faces years in prison and fines if convicted, and federal proceedings will determine whether the VA can recoup funds and how oversight will change. County veterans affairs offices and local providers say they will monitor court developments as the case proceeds.
