Valdosta, Ga. — A Valdosta doctor guilty of defrauding the federal and state Medicare and Medicaid health care programs of more than $2.2 million was sentenced to 97 months in prison today, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. A citizen jury returned a guilty verdict against Dr. Douglas Moss, 58, of Valdosta, on May 14, 2019 following a seven-day trial in federal court. Dr. Moss was found guilty on all seven counts that he was charged with: conspiracy to commit health care fraud (Count 1) and health care fraud (Counts 2-7). U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson imposed an additional 3 years of supervised release. A co-conspirator, Shawn Tywon, 50, of Valdosta, who worked as a Physician’s Assistant (PA) in Dr. Moss’s practice, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit health care fraud on April 11, 2019 and was sentenced today to 24 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release. Dr. Moss and Mr. Tywon were ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,256,861.32 to Medicare and Georgia Medicaid. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Stealing from Medicare and Medicaid programs undermines our government’s mission to assist providing healthcare to senior citizens and vulnerable members of our society. Enriching oneself on the backs of law-abiding, tax-paying citizens will not be tolerated, and the punishment is prison time,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “Dr. Moss stole more than $2.2 million by billing the government for work he did not perform. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to end government fraud. I want to thank HHS, FBI and the Office of State of Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr for their hard work in this matter.”

“The ability to combine resources with our federal partners is critically important as we work together to prosecute those who break the law and take advantage of government programs for their own personal gain,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “We remain committed to protecting the integrity of the Georgia Medicaid program, its members and the taxpayer dollars used to provide this service, and, as identified by today’s action, we will remain vigilant in our efforts to recover any and all funds spent illegally.”

“Today’s sentencing demonstrates that when medical professionals choose to break the law and corrupt the system to line their pockets with taxpayer dollars, we will work relentlessly to bring those individuals to justice,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Protecting precious Medicare and Medicaid funds remains a top priority for the Inspector General and our law enforcement partners.”

“When health care professionals choose to defraud federally funded programs like Medicare and Medicaid there are many victims, including American taxpayers and the people who are rightly entitled to those funds,” said Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta Chris Hacker. “Health care costs are driven up when doctors and staff bill for unnecessary and unfulfilled services and the FBI and our partners will continue to use every resource in our power to stop it.”

Dr. Moss was a practicing physician at South Georgia Health Group, LLC, (SGHG) in Valdosta, Georgia, since 2002. Dr. Moss was also the Medical Director of four Heritage Health (which became Pruitt Health) facilities (Holly Hill Nursing Home, Valdosta Nursing Home, Lakehaven Nursing Home, and Crestwood Nursing Home) between January 2011 and May 2016, where he served as an attending physician for residents at those facilities. Dr. Moss was also the Medical Director of Grant Medical Clinic in Valdosta, an after-hours clinic. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Dr. Moss bilked the U.S. government out of more than $2.2 million dollars by falsifying Medicare and Medicaid claims, either by billing for services he actually did not perform, or by utilizing his PA, Mr. Tywon, as an “extender” (a non-physician practitioner) to render services that were billed as if Dr. Moss had performed them himself, netting a larger reimbursement. The evidence showed that Dr. Moss routinely did not render the services he billed under his name, and even visited Las Vegas casinos during at least two periods of time when he submitted bills for services in Valdosta.    

The case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sonja Profit and Lyndie Freeman from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, and Assistant Director Jim Mooney from the Georgia’s Office of the Attorney General prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.

VALDOSTA – A Valdosta doctor was found guilty of health care fraud following a seven-day trial in federal court, announced Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. The verdict was announced late in the day yesterday, May 14, 2019, after the jury deliberated for approximately two hours. The trial for Dr. Douglas Moss, 58, of Valdosta, began Monday, May 6, 2019 before U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson. Dr. Moss was found guilty on all seven counts that he was charged with: Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud (Count 1) and Health Care Fraud (Counts 2-7). The defendant faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on each count. The sentencing date is scheduled for August 14, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Lawson. There is no parole in the federal system.

Dr. Moss was a practicing physician at South Georgia Health Group, LLC, (SGHG) in Valdosta, Georgia, since July 16, 2002. Dr. Moss was also the Medical Director of four Heritage Health (which became Pruitt Health) facilities (Holly Hill Nursing Home, Valdosta Nursing Home, Lakehaven Nursing Home, and Crestwood Nursing Home) between January 2011 and May 2016, where he served as the attending physician for 80 percent of the residents at those facilities. Dr. Moss was also the Medical Director of Grant Medical Clinic in Valdosta, an after-hours clinic. Dr. Moss enlisted a co-conspirator, Shawn Tywon, who worked as a Physician’s Assistant (PA) in Dr. Moss’ practice. Mr. Tywon was indicted in this case, and entered a guilty plea to Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud on April 11, 2019, before Judge Lawson. Sentencing for Mr. Tywon is scheduled for July 10, 2019.  Mr. Tywon testified in the trial as a witness for the Government.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Dr. Moss bilked the U.S. Government out of more than $2.5 million dollars by falsifying Medicare and Medicaid claims, either by billing for services he actually did not perform, or by utilizing his PA, Mr. Tywon, as an “extender” (a non-physician practitioner) to render services that were billed as if Dr. Moss had performed them himself, netting a larger reimbursement. The evidence showed that Dr. Moss routinely did not render the services he billed under his name, and even visited casinos during at least two periods of time when he submitted bills for services in Valdosta when he was actually in Las Vegas.   

“Over a period of four years, Dr. Moss stole in excess of $2.5 million by fraudulently billing the U.S. Government for work he claimed to personally perform at the four nursing homes in Valdosta. The jury’s verdict makes it clear that the citizens of our district will not stand for defrauding the government,” said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the US Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their hard work.”

“Our Medicaid Fraud Control Division will remain vigilant in efforts to uncover fraud and abuse,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “The case gave us an opportunity to work hand-in-hand with our federal partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, and we are proud that our joint efforts led to this successful result.”

“The level of greed shown by Dr. Moss in this case is astounding, as he lined his pockets at the expense of our government funded healthcare programs,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Just as one example, Dr. Moss claimed to have seen 175 patients on one particular day, falsely billing Medicaid and Medicare for services that were never provided. Actions like this went on for over three years affecting every tax paying citizen, in particular, those who rely on federally funded programs for their health care needs.”

“Dr. Moss was convinced that defrauding taxpayers was his path to riches,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  “Instead he will pay a heavy price for his actions as we will work with our law enforcement partners to protect vital government health programs.”    

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sonja Profit and Lyndie Freeman from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, and Assistant Attorney General Jim Mooney from the Georgia’s Office of the Attorney General prosecuted the case for the Government.  Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.

MACON: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that a Grand Jury, sitting in Macon Georgia, has returned fourteen (14) indictments. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. All of the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.  “I want to thank our Federal and State law enforcement partners for their hard work bringing these cases before the Federal Grand Jury,” said United States Attorney Peeler.

Indictment #1: 

Robert Abacan a/k/a “Rob”, aged 40, of Valdosta, Georgia, is charged with ten (10) counts of Production of Child Pornography. If convicted, Mr. Abacan faces a maximum sentence of thirty (30) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on each count.  

Frances Abacan, aged 40, of Valdosta, Georgia, is charged with eight (8) counts of Production of Child Pornography. If convicted, Mrs. Abacan faces a maximum sentence of thirty (30) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on each count. 

The case was investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia C. Bowen.

Indictment #2: 

Samuel Howard a/k/a “Sam”, aged 24, of Doerun, Georgia, is charged with two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10 million fine, or both on Count 1 and forty (40) years’ imprisonment, a $5 million fine, or both, on Count 2, if convicted. 

Tokesha Bailey, aged 28, of Moultrie, Georgia, is charged with one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, a $10 Million fine, or both, if convicted.

The case was investigated by the Thomas County-Thomasville Narcotics/Vice Task Force and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia C. Bowen is prosecuting the case.

Indictment #3:

Franshaw Riggins, aged 30, of Albany, Georgia, is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, a $10 million fine, or both, if convicted.

The case was investigated by the Bainbridge Department of Public Safety, Georgia State Patrol and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia C. Bowen.

Indictment #4: 

Raymond Gutierrez, aged 45, of Savannah, Georgia, is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, a $10 million fine, or both, if convicted. 

The case was investigated by the Ocmulgee Drug Task Force and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Calhoun.

Indictment #5: 

Carlos Mendez, aged 44, of Orlando, Florida, is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10 million fine, or both, if convicted. 

Vanessa Cantres, aged 39, of Orlando, Florida, is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10 million fine, or both, if convicted.

The case was investigated by the Dooly County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Calhoun is prosecuting the case.

Indictment #6: 

Maria Lopez, aged 21, of Atlanta, Georgia, and Amber Hass, aged 30 of Columbus, Georgia, are charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and face maximum sentences of life in prison, a $10 million fine, or both, if convicted. 

The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Melvin E. Hyde, Jr. is prosecuting the case.

Indictment #7: 

Dionicio Garcia Aguirre, aged 35, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with Aggravated Illegal Reentry having been deported and removed from the United States on July 3, 2014 and March 10, 2009 and returning without the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary for Homeland Security to re-apply for admission. If convicted, Mr. Garcia Aguirre faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The case was investigated by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, United States Probation and Department of Homeland Security – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett is prosecuting the case.

Indictment #8: 

Frank Douglas, aged 59, of Augusta, Georgia, is charged with ten (10) counts of Assault on a Federal Employee and faces a maximum sentence of eight (8) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, if convicted. 

The case was investigated by the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case. 

Indictment #9: 

Natu Patel, aged 68, of Sylvester, Georgia, is charged with four (4) counts of Unlawful Dispensation of a Controlled Substance and faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years in prison, a $1 million fine, or both, if convicted.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah E. McEwen.

Indictment #10: 

Douglas Moss, aged 57, of Valdosta, Georgia and Shawn Tywon, aged 49, of Valdosta, Georgia are charged with Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud (Count 1) and Health Care Fraud (Counts 2-7) and face a maximum penalty of  ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on each count, if convicted.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja B. Profit is prosecuting the case.

Indictment #11:      

 Steven Dukes, aged 35, of Mauk, Georgia, is charged with Receipt of Child Pornography (Count 1), Distribution of Child Pornography (Counts 2,3,5), and Possession of Child Pornography (Counts 4,6). If convicted, Mr. Dukes faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on each count.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals.

Indictment #12: 

Ryan Dumouchel, aged 25, a citizen of Canada, is charged with Illegal Reentry having been deported and removed from the United States on September 24, 2015 and not receiving the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary for Homeland Security to re-apply for admission. If convicted, Mr. Dumouchel faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 

The case was investigated by the Valdosta Police Department and U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Solis is prosecuting the case. 

                                Indictment #13:                                   

Juan Carlos Mac-Quej, aged 27, a citizen of Guatemala, is charged with Illegal Reentry having been deported and removed from the United States on December 29 2014 and not receiving the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to re-apply for admission and faces a maximum sentence of three (3) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, of both, if convicted. 

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration - and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Solis is prosecuting the case.

Indictment #14: 

Aristeo Ramirez-Hernandez, aged 29, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with Illegal Reentry having been removed and deported from the United States on July 31, 2014; September 19, 2014; and December 30, 2014 and not receiving the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary for Homeland Security to re-apply for admission.

The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Solis is prosecuting the case.

Questions concerning this release should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.