research work on criminal investigation

Introduction to Criminal Investigation: Processes, Practices and Thinking

(7 reviews)

Rod Gehl, Justice Institute of British Columbia

Darryl Plecas, University of the Fraser Valley

Publisher: BCcampus

Language: English

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Reviewed by Ann Koshivas, Professor, North Shore Community College on 11/29/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

I am excited that there is a book in the OER library on criminal investigations. The principles of criminal investigation are well described and it is easy to read and understand. It is a comprehensive book for a community college criminal investigations course. There are some parts that might be confusing because the text is based on Canadian law but the general principles are explained well and applicable to the US as well.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

As far as I can tell the book is accurate but I am not as familiar with Canadian Law and case precedents so I cannot speak as to those aspects of the book. From what I can tell, the book is accurate.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

It is a relatively new book but the law frequently changes so it will need to be updated. In addition, technological advances as they relate to criminal investigations are constantly being made so the book will need to be updated based on that as well.

Clarity rating: 5

The text is easy to read and well organized.

Consistency rating: 5

There are no issues with consistency. The book is consistent in terns of use of terminology and framework.

Modularity rating: 5

This book could easily be used to assign specific chapters. Each chapter stands alone but the content follows a logical manner in its explanation of criminal investigations.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

This book is well organized.

Interface rating: 5

The interface was fine. There was nothing confusing or distracting. It was well organized and easy to read.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I found no major problems with grammar. The text was understandable and easy to read.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

There was nothing culturally offensive about this book.

The length of this book makes it appealing for an introductory course in criminal investigations. The author covers the areas thoroughly and is concise.

Reviewed by Richard Riner, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice/ Criminology, Buena Vista University on 12/16/21

Comprehensiveness rating: 3 see less

This is a short text, 203 pages versus 519 pages for the book I am currently using for the Criminal Investigations course. It covers the basics, but that is about all it does. The book takes a very broad look at the investigative process, which makes it appropriate for those with no formal introduction into police work or investigations, but for those who are familiar with the process and might be looking for an in-depth examination of specific issues that can occur within the scope of an investigation, this book does not seem to be intended for that purpose. For example, a death investigation is different enough in nature and procedure that most texts devote a chapter to examining the inherent complexities and procedural challenges that accompany the investigation into the death of another human being. This book discusses major cases, and while death investigations certainly fall within that category, there is not a lot of material devoted to them, and that material is under the topic of Forensics.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

The book was written by and for students in Canada, while my background in law enforcement in the United States. However, the fact that many current and former law enforcement officials were consulted for the creation of this book lead me to believe that form a policy and procedure standpoint the book is accurate. In order to do due diligence for this section, I researched Canadian procedures (a very educational exercise) and found everything in the book to be accurate.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

Because the book is written from a broader frame of reference, it's utility will outlast many books in the field. Criminal Justice is an ever-changing field, and the more specific the material the more susceptible it is to changes in the landscape with regard to policy and procedure. By staying broad in scope the book discusses issues and practices that have relevant for many years and will remain so for the foreseeable future. This book will age well.

The book is written in a straightforward language without a heavy reliance on jargon. The cases cited are not what I am used to being the book was written essentially for a Canadian audience, but the explanation of the importance and relevance of the cases would be easily understood. Anyone with an interest in investigations would be able to read this book and understand the message of the authors.

Consistency rating: 4

The voice in which the book was written remains consistent throughout. The terms used to refer to the various concepts or practices are such that once a person understands them they will be able to apply them later in the text to aid in understanding later concepts.

The text is broken down into chapters, as most texts are, but them the authors have further broken the text down into topics within each chapter. This makes locating a passage of text easily done. From an instructor stand point this is a feature I would find especially useful during the presentation of textbook material in class. Having the chapters broken down in this manner will make the task of learning easier for students as well.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 3

When teaching about the process of a criminal investigation, I find it helpful to address topic in the order that an investigator is likely to deal with them when carrying out an investigation, beginning with the initial response to the scene of the crime, and ending with testimony during the trial. This text is not organized in such a way. The order in which topics are presented is not inherently confusing, but for someone who "walks" students through the process means there would be a fair amount of jumping back and forth between chapters to approach the material chronologically.

There were no issues with navigating the book. I downloaded a PDF of the text so it could accessed offline. And while there not active links in the table of contents that a person could click to go directly to a specific chapter, finding a particular passage or topic was fairly easy. The charts that accompany the text were clear both with regard to the quality of the image and clarity of the concepts. There were not a great deal of photos in the text, perhaps only one of a photo array, but it was a good quality photo.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

I did not notice issues with grammar within the text.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

Since the text was created for a Canadian audience, I may not be the most qualified person to judge the cultural relevance if this particular text. However, I did not find any material that I would deem inappropriate of offensive. This text deals with material and incidents that can be upsetting or shocking to people, and does so in a manner that would not offensive to readers.

Overall, this could be a useful and instructive text for the right audience. Outside of Canada, its potential utility lessens. The text has some very good characteristics, which have been described earlier, and some that could be improves in later iterations of the text.

Reviewed by Graham Rankin, Visiting Assistant Professor, Chemistry, Western Oregon University on 7/29/21

There are extensive references including legal citations for Canadian Supreme Court decisions, and an an excellent list of study questions with answers at the end of the text. However, there is no glossary or index included which makes it more... read more

Appears to be fairly accurate. I am not familiar with Caradon law so I am assuming these sections are accurate. Because the Forensic Science chapter is very superficial some aspects, while not inaccurate, are incomplete. For instance, Ballistics is considered outmoded and Firearms Identification is preferred. Accelerant and Arson are discouraged from use as Fire Debris Analysis, Suspicious Fire and Ignitable Liquid Determination are the recommended terms. Only the jury can determine if the presence of an ignitable liquid was used by the accused as an accelerant in the commission of the crime of arson. Also Bite Mark Evidence is now considered pseudoscience and may not be presented in court.

Publication date is 2016 which is reasonably recent, however an updated edition should be considered in light of new developments in analysis of trace evidence, DNA genealogical matching, and digital evidence, especially cell phone tracing of a suspect's movements.

Clarity rating: 4

Generally very clear, except for the too brief Forensic Science chapter. Also the correct packaging of evidence needs to be included as the uniformed officer may be tasked with this at the crime scene.

With the exception of Chapter 10 it is very consistent.

Each chapter is divided into Topics with study questions at the end of each chapter.

Very good. Example forms for Crime Scene management and Evidence log are included.

Interface rating: 4

Scenarios could be expanded to encourage critical thinking by requiring the reader to formulate a hypothesis based on evidence, the test that hypothesis.

none noted.

The importance of photo and line-up procedures to include same race and general description is important for eye witness identification. Cultural issues were discussed in light of interviewing witnesses and suspects.

This text is intended for training police officers who may be involved in crime scene investigation and interviewing suspects and witnesses. In that respect it does a very good job in developing a mindset for the officer to follow in the course of his/her duties. The major downside is this is a Canadian publication and thus will need considerable additional lecture and written information relating to US federal and state legal issues especially Chapter 2. While many of the aspects of rights of the suspect are common, the legal framework and court cases will be different. The overall approach includes case scenarios and study questions at the end of each chapter. Aside from those unique to Canadian law, these are excellent and could be used in a Crime Scene Investigation course in a Criminal Justice department. Some topics in crime scene security, collection and preservation of evidence could be included in introductory courses in Forensic Science. Chapter 10 is the only chapter relating directly to Forensic Science. Some topics like Forensic Pathology are fairly detailed whereas Forensic Chemistry is a short paragraph, mostly a listing of areas of analysis, i.e. fire debris analysis, drug analysis, toxicology. As a result this text would be unsuitable as the sole text for even an Introduction to Forensic Science course.

Reviewed by paul Zipper, Adjunct Faculty, Northern Essex Community College on 4/15/21

The Text was written utilizing Canadian law. This became problematic when addressing legal concepts in the US. There was no index or glossary of terms. The text would have benefited with an index and glossary of terms at the end. read more

Content Accuracy rating: 3

The major investigative steps in the book was accurate. However when delving deeper into the text, it was clear Canadian terminology and US terminology and laws are different and don't mesh seamlessly. There are minor spelling nuances between the US and Canada. We use the term "offense" Canadians use "offence" as an example.

The 11 chapters were organized and hit the major areas in Criminal Investigation. Necessary updates can fit into the current template.

Clarity rating: 1

The major investigative step are well written. However Canadian Jargon/laws/terminology do not translate into concepts found in US law.

The terminology and framework are consistent- yet not applicable to what we do in the US

Modularity found in this course is a strength. Having used the text the last several semesters, it is easy to use with a traditional 14 week semester. It also covers the major concepts in a manner that is not overwhelming to students. Each week of the semester a major concept is covered and additional case studies and article are utilized to support the chapter we are covering.

The book is well organized. It takes the students through a traditional investigative flow. It has a strong introduction and covers the necessary preliminary steps and investigator/student would need to know before moving on to the next one.

The text is free of interface issues; that being said the text would be enhanced by adding some images and charts to enhance the materials.

Minor grammatical errors

I found no material in the text that would in any way be considered insensitive or offensive.

I think this is an excellent OER. It is well organized and covers major investigative steps in an organized fashion. The major downside is the audience it was written for are Canadian Law Enforcement Officers. I am teaching college students in Massachusetts, USA. A majority of the investigative steps and concepts are transferrable to the US. However, Canadian law and criminal procedure are different than US Federal law and the laws in each of our 50 states and territories. This text works with supplemental materials from the jurisdiction it is taught in being inserted. The instructor needs to point out the differences during class discussion.

Reviewed by William Powers, Adjunct Faculty, Bristol Community College on 5/29/20

Comprehensive instructions from first responding Officer to crime scene preservation, documentation, interviews and interrogation plus (Canadian) legal aspects. read more

Comprehensive instructions from first responding Officer to crime scene preservation, documentation, interviews and interrogation plus (Canadian) legal aspects.

Written in a straight forward, unbiased, usually step by step progression.

Text is based on Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, so legal aspects are not likely to drastically change. Text can be easily edited and updated for changes and new rulings in case law.

Wording is clear, minimal use of technical terminology. The only thing I had to research was the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms for comparison to American Constitution/Bill of Rights.

Proper use of terminology, some easily understood Canadian phrasing.

Book is properly divided by chapter and sub-divided to explain more detailed subject matter.

Good progression of subject matter from Intro through legal aspects to strategic organization and tactical use of crime scene protocols.

The few charts in the book were clear and easily understood. No distortion.

Grammatical Errors rating: 3

Some grammatical and punctuation errors scattered throughout the book. Ch. 7 Topic 2 Witness Types became confusing grammatically. Poorly worded in identifying direct, indirect, circumstantial evidence and witnesses. Ch 8 Note Taking. A quote (?) was opened with parentheses, parentheses were never closed.

Examples were non-offensive.

This text will be useful to a Canadian instructor and classes of prospective Police Officers, especially those that intend to pursue careers in criminalistics. The heavy but necessary reliance on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms limits the books usefulness in other countries. Officers in the United States will be unnecessarily confused by the mixture of Canadian rights and the American Bill of Rights/Constitution. (This reviewer is from the U.S.) I myself will explore the use of Ch 8 as a quality example of proper crime scene security. The chapter shows how a first responding Officer should establish proper limited access to the crime scene, how to use an Officer assigned to maintaining a Crime Scene Security Log to limit access to and document egress times at a scene, and use of an Exhibit Log by a Forensics team supervisor to protect evidence integrity.

Reviewed by Robert Engvall, Professor, Roger Williams University on 11/5/19

This book provides a comprehensive look at introductory criminal investigation. It does a nice job of laying a proper foundation through introducing basic concepts leading through to chapters on crime scene management and forensic sciences. read more

This book is entirely accurate in its portrayal of criminal investigation.

This book is particularly relevant given today's increasingly complicated criminal justice climate. Criminal investigations are under increased scrutiny (appropriately so) and this book introduces that important new reality.

This book is clear, concise, valuable to the reader.

This book provides consistency throughout.

Each chapter provides its own information and could easily stand alone as a section of study. The context is set appropriately in the beginning of the book and some basic concepts follow leading through to more complicated crime scene management.

Each chapter stands alone, and is clearly organized. The flow is appropriate as the book takes the reader from context to basics to more complicated and reality based principles.

The book is easy to read, easy to look at, well organized.

Grammar is fine.

The book is appropriate for today's world.

This book truly does provide a solid foundation for a criminal investigation student. It would be of value to any undergraduate criminal investigation course.

Reviewed by Michael Buerger, Professor of Criminal Justice, Bowling Green State University, Ohio on 2/1/18

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The text under review is written for Canadian investigators, and rests on Canadian law and case precedents. That limits its applicability to the American market, and in some ways limits the value of an assessment by an American reviewer. Many sections do not have direct applicability, despite the general similarities between the two systems. Even though there are clear parallels in the legal systems, Canadian case law under a national charter will not have broad applicability in the United States context. State laws, federal appellate districts, and Supreme Court decisions are all operant, and the applicable legal rules may differ between jurisdictions when there are no federal precedents (the Scenario #2 domestic violence example on page 53 is such an example, for instance). The overview in Chapter 1 is excellent, and can be applied equally to criminal investigations in any democratic context. Chapter 2’s discussion of “discretion” is a good example of that adaptability, for instance: the overall effect of the first two chapters is positive enough to make me wish there could be an American version.

The approach taken by the authors is a sensible and much-needed addition to the presentation of criminal investigations. Distinguishing between investigative tasks and investigative thinking is a recurring thematic guide, and it is articulated well throughout the book. Though the distinction might be made more explicitly, the authors recognize that criminal investigations begin with the arrival of the first responding unit, almost always a uniformed officer rather than an investigator, and they incorporate that perspective throughout. The roles described on page 13 are equally applicable to Canadian and U.S. criminal justice personnel.

Not all of the examples are as useful as they might be. The example on page 36 – “I really need some money. I’m going to rob that bank tomorrow.” – is far more explicit than the type of circumstantial evidence investigators are likely to encounter. While the statement is useful, it is unrealistically specific: improvements might include the addition of variations on the theme of such utterances, such as: “I really need some money. Maybe I should rob a bank” and “I really, really need money. I’m desperate.” The greater ambiguity embedded in those statements is a greater test of the thinking discipline that the authors promote.

Page 43: the issue of consent may be that simple in Canada, but American cases rest on whether or not the person giving consent has authority to do so: cohabitants, roommates with specific areas of privacy vs. general-use spaces, landlords rather than tenants, and similar variations are not addressed here.

The distinction between Tactical and Strategic responses is a valid one, but it is dragged out a bit more than it needs to be on pp. 48-51; it is laborious reading, leaning to the tendentious. The concept is clear, but the explanation drags. One of the issues related to that distinction is the role of first-responding patrol officers, and subsequent follow-up investigation by detectives

The discussion of the stabbing incident that occupies pages 55-57 is important for establishing the “step-down” requirement when an exigent circumstances scene is brought under control. It is described in Canadian terms, but has American analogs.

The presentations focus more on philosophy than technique, and the links between the two are not consistent throughout. While the overview of forensic evidence is a good introductory treatment, I expected at least some reference to collection techniques, since the lab work is dependent upon crime scene work.

I cannot speak to the accuracy of the Canadian legal components, but the elements that apply to the fundamental of the work are sound.

Relevance and longevity should be good. Changes in law, and changes in or addition to the forensic techniques will require periodic updating, but that should be accomplished easily.

The writing is clear, although repetitive in some places, leaning to the tendentious in a few spots. My only real concern would be that the some readers might get lost in the philosophy of thinking, to the detriment of understanding the associated techniques.

Consistency of approach and terminology, and associated linkages in different sections, is good.

Modularity rating: 4

The modules are a strength of the book; my only criticism is that they are more uneven in their content than I would expect. A number of one-short-paragraph modules are ripe for at least some further development.

The text is clear, and easy to follow.

I experienced no interface problems at all.

Allowing for the different systems of punctuation, the book is error-free in terms of grammar. There are some annoying proofreading errors that stand out, however: Page 62: a comma rather than a period at the end of the second sentence of the “Common Error #3” paragraph. Page 65: redundant “situation” in the third paragraph (lower case followed by a capitalized Boldface). Page 82, final paragraph: “articles of evid. . . ase” are proofreading errors Page 92: Need a space between “crime.” and “Understanding” Page 120, third line of the “Like photo lineups” paragraph: the semi-colon should be a comma. A comma after “suspect” in the second line would help clarify the subordinate clause issue.

Cultural references are mostly absent, and for good reason, I think. They are a larger element in investigations, more fragmented in their application, and deserve separate, free-standing treatment. I saw no references that raised red flags for offensive content.

The first “Interviewing” paragraph at the bottom of page 123, carrying over to page 124, begins with the premise that “In fact, the person is not even definable as a suspect at this point,” but immediately shifts to a previously-discussed point (perpetrators acting as witnesses or reporters in order to deflect suspicion) and remains on that point to the end. Far more persons are interviewed who do not fit this category than are those who are, and the narrow focus on “suspect” for this portion is disconcerting.

The main focus of the chapter is on offenders, which at some point the investigation must be, but the broader preliminary interview phases need better development. Chapter 7 deals more with typologies than techniques, so a broader treatment of non-suspect witness interviews (and recontact interviews) would be helpful.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Some Important Basic Concepts
Chapter 3: What You Need To Know About Evidence
Chapter 4: The Process of Investigation
Chapter 5: Strategic Investigative Response
Chapter 6: Applying the Investigative Tools
Chapter 7: Witness Management
Chapter 8: Crime Scene Management
Chapter 9: Interviewing, Questioning, and Interrogation
Chapter 10: Forensic Sciences
Chapter 11: Summary

Ancillary Material

About the book.

Introduction to Criminal Investigation, Processes, Practices, and Thinking is a teaching text designed to assist the student in developing their own structured mental map of processes, practices, and thinking to conduct criminal investigations.

Delineating criminal investigation into operational descriptors of tactical-response and strategic response while using illustrations of task-skills and thinking-skills, the reader is guided into structured thinking practices. Using the graphic tools of a “Response Transition Matrix”, an “Investigative Funnel”, and the “STAIR Tool”, the reader is shown how to form their own mental map of investigative thinking that can later be articulated in support of forming their reasonable grounds to believe.

Chapter 1 introduces criminal investigation as both a task process and a thinking process. This chapter outlines these concepts, rules, and processes with the goal of providing practical tools to ensure successful investigative processes and practices. Most importantly, this book informs the reader how to approach the investigative process using “investigative thinking.”

Chapter 2 illustrates investigation by establishing an understanding of the operational forum in which it occurs. That forum is the criminal justice system and in particular, the court system. The investigative process exists within the statutory rules of law, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and case law rulings adjudicated by the courts. Considering the existence of these conditions, obligations, and case law rules, there are many terms and concepts that an investigator needs to understand to function appropriately and effectively within the criminal justice system. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce some of the basic legal parameters and concepts of criminal justice within which the criminal investigation process takes place.

Chapter 3 describes the functions and terms of “evidence”, as they relate to investigation. This speaks to a wide range of information sources that might eventually inform the court to prove or disprove points at issue before the trier of fact. Sources of evidence can include anything from the observations of witnesses to the examination and analysis of physical objects. It can even include the spatial relationships between people, places, and objects within the timeline of events. From the various forms of evidence, the court can draw inferences and reach conclusions to determine if a charge has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Considering the critical nature of evidence within the court system, there are a wide variety of definitions and protocols that have evolved to direct the way evidence is defined for consideration by the court. In this chapter, we look at some of the key definitions and protocols that an investigator should understand to carry out the investigative process.

Chapter 4 breaks investigation down into logical steps, establishing a progression that can be followed and repeated to reach the desired results. The process of investigation can be effectively explained and learned in this manner. In this chapter the reader is introduced to various issues in the progression that relate to the process of investigation.

Chapter 5 examines the operational processes of investigation. In this chapter we introduce the three big investigative errors along with graphic illustrations of “The Investigative Funnel” and the “S T A I R Tool” to illustrate how each of these concepts in the investigative progression.

Chapter 6 provides the reader the opportunity to work through some investigative scenarios using the S T A I R Tool. These scenarios demonstrate the investigative awareness required to transition from the tactical investigative response to the strategic investigative response. Once in the strategic response mode the reader is challenged to practice applying theory development to conduct analysis of the evidence and information to create an investigative plan.

This chapter presents two investigative scenarios each designed to illustrate different steps of the S T A I R tool allowing the student to recognize both the tactical and the strategic investigative responses and the implications of transitioning from the tactical to the strategic response.

Chapter 7 illustrates the investigative practices of witness management. Witness statements will assist the investigator in forming reasonable grounds to lay a charge, and will assist the court in reaching a decision that the charge against an accused person has been proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

It is important for an investigator to understand these practices as they allow an investigator to evaluate witnesses and collect witness evidence that will be acceptable to the courts.

Chapter 8 describes crime scene management skills. These skills are an extremely significant task component of investigation because evidence that originates at the crime scene will provide a picture of events for the court to consider in its deliberations. That picture will be composed of witness testimony, crime scene photographs, physical exhibits, and the analysis of those exhibits, along with the analysis of the crime scene itself. From this chapter, the reader will learn the task processes and protocols for several important issues in crime scene management.

Chapter 9 examines the interviewing, questioning, and interrogation techniques police use to aid them in investigations. The courts expect police to exercise high standards using practices that focus on the rights of the accused person, and minimize any physical or mental anguish that might cause a false confession. In meeting these expectations, the challenges of suspect questioning and interrogation can be complex, and many police agencies have trained interrogators and polygraph operators who undertake the interrogation of suspects for major criminal cases. But not every investigation qualifies as a major case, and frontline police investigators are challenged to undertake the tasks of interviewing, questioning, and interrogating possible suspects daily. The challenge for police is that the questioning of a suspect and the subsequent confession can be compromised by flawed interviewing, questioning, or interrogation practices. Understanding the correct processes and the legal parameters can make the difference between having a suspect's confession accepted as evidence by the court or not.

Chapter 10 examines various forensic sciences and the application of forensic sciences as practical tools to assist police in conducting investigations. As we noted in Chapter 1, it is not necessary for an investigator to be an expert in any of the forensic sciences; however, it is important to have a sound understanding of forensic tools to call upon appropriate experts to deploy the correct tools when required.

Chapter 11 summarizes the learning objectives of this text and suggests investigative learning topics for the reader going forward. Many topics relative to investigative practices have not been covered here as part of the core knowledge requirements for a new investigator. These topics include:

Major Case Management Informant and confidential source management Undercover investigations Specialized team investigations

About the Contributors

Rod Gehl , is a retired police Inspector, and an instructor of criminal investigation for International Programs and the Law Enforcement Studies Program at the Justice Institute of British Columbia. These ongoing teaching engagements are preceded by 35 years of policing experience as criminal investigator and a leader of multi-agency major case management teams. From his experiences Rod has been a keynote speaker at several international homicide conferences and has assisted in the development and presentation of Major Case Management courses for the Canadian Police College. For his contribution to policing he has been conferred the Lieutenant Governor’s Meritorious Service Award for homicide investigation. Rod’s published research on the “The Dynamics of Police Cooperation in Multi-agency Investigations”, was followed by his article, titled, “Multi-agency Teams, A Leadership Challenge”, featured in the US Police Chief Magazine. Rod retains a licence as a private investigator and security consultant and continues to work with regulatory compliance agencies in both public and private sector organizations for the development of their investigative training and systems.

Darryl Plecas is Professor Emeritus at University of the Fraser Valley where he worked for 34 years, most recently holding the Senior University Research Chair (RCMP) and Directorship of the Centre for Public Safety and Criminal Justice Research. As Professor Emeritus he continues to co-author work with colleagues and supervises graduate students. He also serves as Associate Research Faculty at California State University – Sacramento, and as an annually invited lecturer to the Yunnan Police College in Kunming, China. He is the author or co-author of more than 200 research reports, international journal articles, books, and other publications addressing a broad range public safety issues. He is a recipient of numerous awards, including UFV’s Teaching Excellence Award, the Innovative Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Technology Award from the International Conference on College Teaching and Learning, the Order of Abbotsford, the CCSA Award of Excellence, and the British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Public Safety. His most recent co-authored book “Evidenced Based Decision Making for Government Professionals” was awarded the 2016 Professional Development Award from the Canadian Association of Municipalities.

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Policing: An International Journal

ISSN : 1363-951X

Article publication date: 23 June 2021

Issue publication date: 31 August 2021

Detective work is a mainstay of modern law enforcement, but its effectiveness has been much less evaluated than patrol work. To explore what is known about effective investigative practices and to identify evidence gaps, the authors assess the current state of empirical research on investigations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors assess the empirical research about the effectiveness of criminal investigations and detective work in resolving cases and improving clearance rates.

The authors’ analysis of the literature produced 80 studies that focus on seven categories of investigations research, which include the impact that case and situational factors, demographic and neighborhood dynamics, organizational policies and practices, investigative effort, technology, patrol officers and community members have on case resolution. The authors’ assessment shows that evaluation research examining the effectiveness of various investigative activities is rare. However, the broader empirical literature indicates that a combination of organizational policies, investigative effort and certain technologies can be promising in improving investigative outcomes even in cases deemed less solvable.

Research limitations/implications

From an evidence-based perspective, this review emphasizes the need for greater transparency, evaluation and accountability of investigative activities given the resources and importance afforded to criminal investigations.

Originality/value

This review is currently the most up-to-date review of the state of the research on what is known about effective investigative practices.

Investigations
Evidence-based policing
Effectiveness

Acknowledgements

This evidence-assessment was funded by a grant from Arnold Ventures.

Prince, H. , Lum, C. and Koper, C.S. (2021), "Effective police investigative practices: an evidence-assessment of the research", Policing: An International Journal , Vol. 44 No. 4, pp. 683-707. https://doi.org/10.1108/PIJPSM-04-2021-0054

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Criminal Justice

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Investigation and evidence gathering.

Investigation and evidence gathering are pivotal elements in the criminal justice process , underpinning the successful resolution of criminal cases. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the various facets of criminal investigations and the critical role of evidence gathering. It delves into the stages of investigation, from initial response to case closure, highlighting the techniques and responsibilities of investigators. The article also examines different types of evidence, including physical, documentary, and digital, and discusses the integral role of forensic science. Furthermore, it addresses the impact of technological advancements, such as DNA analysis and digital forensics, on modern investigative practices. Legal and ethical considerations, vital to maintaining the integrity of investigations, are also explored. Finally, the article discusses common challenges faced in criminal investigations and considers future directions in this dynamic field, emphasizing the continual evolution and importance of effective investigation and evidence gathering in achieving justice.

Introduction

Investigation and evidence gathering constitute the cornerstone of the criminal justice process. In the realm of criminal justice, investigation refers to the systematic and methodical inquiry into a crime to uncover facts and evidence that will identify the perpetrator and support legal proceedings (Siegel & Worrall, 2020). Evidence gathering, a critical component of this process, involves collecting, preserving, and documenting physical, digital, and testimonial evidence that is pertinent to the criminal case (Fisher & Fisher, 2012).

The importance of thorough investigation and meticulous evidence gathering cannot be overstated. These processes are fundamental in piecing together the narrative of a crime, identifying suspects, and providing the basis for prosecution (Gardner & Anderson, 2015). Without effective investigation and evidence gathering, the chances of solving crimes and administering justice are significantly diminished. Moreover, these processes uphold the principles of fairness and due process, ensuring that convictions are based on solid and reliable evidence, thereby reducing the likelihood of wrongful convictions (Turvey, 2011).

The Process of Criminal Investigation

The process of a criminal investigation is a comprehensive endeavor that encompasses several stages, from the initial response to a crime scene to the closure of the case. Each stage is critical and requires a distinct set of skills and methodologies.

Stages of a Criminal Investigation

Initial Response and Securing the Scene : The first responders to a crime scene play a crucial role in the success of an investigation. Their primary responsibilities include securing the scene to prevent contamination, providing aid to any victims, and detaining potential suspects (Siegel & Worrall, 2020). Securing the scene also involves establishing a perimeter and controlling the entry and exit of individuals.
Preliminary Investigation and Evidence Collection : Once the scene is secure, a preliminary investigation begins. This involves collecting physical evidence, photographing the scene, and gathering initial statements from witnesses. The collection of evidence must be methodical and meticulous to ensure its integrity for later analysis (Fisher & Fisher, 2012).
Detailed Investigation : Following the initial phase, a more detailed investigation is conducted. This may involve forensic analysis of evidence, further interviews with witnesses, background checks on potential suspects, and collaboration with forensic experts.
Case Development and Suspect Identification : As the investigation progresses, detectives work to piece together the evidence to develop a case against potential suspects. This stage may involve surveillance, additional forensic analysis, and consultation with legal experts.
Case Closure : An investigation is concluded when a suspect is arrested and charged, the case is handed over to the prosecution, or, in some instances, when it is determined that the case cannot be solved with the available evidence.

Roles and Responsibilities of Investigators

Lead Detectives : They oversee the investigation, make critical decisions about the direction of the case, and coordinate the efforts of the investigative team.
Forensic Experts : Specialists in fields such as DNA analysis, ballistics, and digital forensics who analyze evidence and provide technical expertise (Gardner & Anderson, 2015).
Crime Scene Technicians : Responsible for collecting, preserving, and cataloging physical evidence from the crime scene.
Interviewers and Interrogators : Skilled in eliciting information from witnesses and suspects, playing a vital role in gathering testimonial evidence.

Techniques Used in Criminal Investigations

Crime Scene Processing : Involves systematically searching the crime scene, collecting evidence, and documenting the scene through photographs and sketches.
Interviewing Witnesses : A critical technique for obtaining testimonial evidence. Effective interviewing requires skill and experience to elicit accurate and detailed information from witnesses (Turvey, 2011).
Forensic Analysis : The application of scientific methods to analyze physical evidence, such as fingerprint analysis, DNA profiling, and ballistic tests.
Digital Forensics : Involves recovering and examining digital evidence from devices like computers and smartphones, crucial in modern investigations (Casey, 2011).
Surveillance and Undercover Operations : These techniques are often employed to gather information on suspects and criminal activities.

In conclusion, the process of criminal investigation is multi-faceted and dynamic, requiring a combination of meticulous evidence gathering, scientific analysis, and skilled interviewing. The success of an investigation hinges on the effective coordination of these various elements and the expertise of the investigative team.

Evidence Gathering and Its Significance

Evidence gathering is a critical component of the criminal justice process, involving the collection and preservation of various types of evidence. This evidence forms the foundation upon which cases are built and adjudicated.

Types of Evidence

Physical Evidence : Physical evidence encompasses tangible objects found at a crime scene. This includes weapons, fibers, fingerprints, and DNA samples. The collection and analysis of physical evidence are often pivotal in linking a suspect to a crime or victim (Gardner & Anderson, 2015).
Documentary Evidence : Documentary evidence consists of documents or written records that can prove or disprove elements of a case. Examples include emails, bank statements, contracts, and diaries. In the digital age, this type of evidence has expanded to include electronic documents (Casey, 2011).
Digital Evidence : Digital evidence is information stored or transmitted in digital form. This can include data from computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices. Digital forensics is critical in recovering and analyzing this type of evidence, particularly in cybercrimes and cases involving digital communications (Casey, 2011).
Eyewitness Testimony : Eyewitnesses can provide accounts of events related to the crime. While valuable, this type of evidence is subject to human memory limitations and biases, making its reliability a subject of extensive scrutiny in the legal field (Loftus, 1996).
Trace Evidence : Trace evidence, such as hair, fibers, soil, and glass fragments, can provide critical links between a suspect, a victim, and a crime scene. The analysis of trace evidence requires sophisticated techniques and can offer vital clues about the circumstances of a crime (Houck & Siegel, 2015).
Biological Evidence : This includes blood, saliva, semen, and other bodily fluids. Biological evidence is particularly significant in violent crimes and can be analyzed for DNA, which is a powerful tool in identifying suspects or victims (Butler, 2018).
Chemical and Toxicological Evidence : Analysis of chemical substances and toxins, including drugs and poisons, is vital in cases of poisoning, drug-related crimes, and DUI investigations. Toxicology tests can determine the presence and concentration of these substances in the body (Karch, 2016).

The Role of Forensic Science in Evidence Gathering

Forensic Analysis : Forensic science plays a vital role in the analysis of physical evidence. Techniques such as DNA profiling, fingerprint analysis, and ballistics testing provide objective, scientific data that can be crucial in identifying perpetrators and understanding the circumstances of a crime (Saferstein, 2015).
Specialized Forensic Fields : The field of forensic science is diverse, encompassing specialties such as toxicology, pathology, and entomology, each providing unique insights into various aspects of criminal cases.
DNA Phenotyping and Familial DNA Testing : Advanced DNA analysis techniques, such as DNA phenotyping and familial DNA testing, have opened new avenues in criminal investigations. These techniques can predict physical appearance from DNA or identify relatives of suspects, aiding in narrowing down suspect pools (Kayser, 2015).
Digital Data Analysis : The proliferation of digital devices has led to the emergence of digital data as a critical form of evidence. Digital data analysis involves examining data from computers, smartphones, and cloud storage to uncover evidence of crimes or trace digital activities of suspects (Casey, 2011).
Forensic Anthropology and Odontology : In cases involving unidentified remains, forensic anthropology and odontology can assist in determining the identity, cause of death, and other critical information (Byers, 2016).

Challenges in Evidence Collection and Preservation

Contamination and Preservation : One of the primary challenges in evidence collection is avoiding contamination. It is vital to preserve the integrity of evidence from the crime scene to the courtroom. This requires meticulous adherence to protocols for collecting, storing, and transporting evidence (Fisher & Fisher, 2012).
Rapid Response and Securing the Scene : Rapid response to crime scenes is critical to prevent the loss or degradation of evidence. Securing the scene to control access is essential to prevent contamination or loss of evidence (Gardner & Anderson, 2015).
Technological Challenges : In the realm of digital forensics, challenges include staying ahead of rapidly evolving technology, recovering deleted or encrypted data, and handling large volumes of digital information (Casey, 2011).
Interpretation of Evidence : The interpretation of forensic evidence requires expertise and experience. Misinterpretation or overstatement of forensic evidence can lead to wrongful convictions (Saferstein, 2015).
Eyewitness Memory Issues : The reliability of eyewitness testimony is a significant challenge, as memory can be influenced by various factors and deteriorate over time (Loftus, 1996).
Resource and Training Constraints : Adequate resources and training are essential for effective evidence gathering. Limitations in these areas can impact the quality and thoroughness of the evidence collection process.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) : Implementing SOPs for evidence collection and preservation is crucial to minimize errors and contamination risks. These procedures ensure that evidence is collected, documented, and stored consistently and reliably (Houck & Siegel, 2015).
Chain of Custody Documentation : Maintaining a strict chain of custody for evidence is essential to establish its authenticity and integrity. This involves documenting each person who handled the evidence and any changes or actions taken (Fisher & Fisher, 2012).
Cross-Contamination Prevention : Preventing cross-contamination of evidence, especially in cases with multiple crime scenes or victims, requires careful planning and execution. This includes using appropriate protective gear and ensuring separate storage for different types of evidence (Gardner & Anderson, 2015).
Legal Challenges in Digital Evidence : The collection and use of digital evidence pose unique legal challenges, particularly regarding privacy rights and search warrants. Ensuring that digital evidence is collected and used in compliance with legal standards is paramount (Casey, 2011).
Ongoing Training and Development : Continuous training and professional development for investigators and forensic scientists are essential to keep pace with advances in technology and forensic techniques (Saferstein, 2015).

In summary, evidence gathering in the criminal justice process is a critical and comprehensive task that demands a high level of expertise, rigorous adherence to protocols, and a clear understanding of legal and ethical guidelines. The types of evidence range from physical and digital to biological and testimonial, each requiring specific methods of collection and analysis. The challenges in this domain necessitate ongoing advancements in forensic science, improvements in investigative techniques, and a steadfast commitment to upholding the principles of justice.

Technological Advancements in Investigation

The impact of technological advancements on criminal investigations has been transformative, offering new tools and methodologies for solving crimes that were previously thought to be unsolvable. The incorporation of technology in investigative processes has not only enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of investigations but also expanded the capabilities of law enforcement agencies.

Impact of Technology on Modern Investigations

DNA Analysis : One of the most significant technological advancements in criminal investigations is DNA analysis. DNA profiling has revolutionized the way crimes are solved, allowing for the identification of suspects with a high degree of accuracy. This technology can also exonerate individuals wrongfully accused or convicted of crimes (Butler, 2018).
Digital Forensics : The rise of digital technology has led to the emergence of digital forensics as a crucial field in criminal investigations. Digital forensic experts analyze data from computers, smartphones, and other digital devices to uncover evidence, track digital footprints, and solve crimes involving cyber elements (Casey, 2011).
Enhanced Surveillance Technologies : Modern surveillance technologies, including high-definition CCTV cameras, drones, and body-worn cameras, have improved the surveillance capabilities of law enforcement. These technologies provide valuable visual evidence that can be used in investigations (NIST, 2020).
Biometric Technologies : Biometric technologies, such as fingerprint analysis, facial recognition, and iris scanning, have become more sophisticated and are widely used in criminal investigations. These technologies help in identifying individuals based on unique biological characteristics (Jain et al., 2016).

Case Studies Demonstrating the Use of Technology in Solving Crimes

The Golden State Killer Case : One of the most notable examples of using DNA analysis in solving crimes is the identification and arrest of the Golden State Killer. Through the use of genetic genealogy and DNA from crime scenes, investigators were able to identify and capture the suspect decades after the crimes were committed (Holes, 2019).
Boston Marathon Bombing Investigation : In the investigation of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, law enforcement agencies utilized surveillance footage and digital forensic analysis to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. The use of technology in this case was instrumental in quickly resolving a complex and high-profile investigation (Boston Police Department, 2014).
Cybercrime Investigations : In the realm of cybercrimes, digital forensics plays a crucial role. One such case involved the takedown of an international cybercrime ring, where digital forensic experts traced the digital activities of the suspects, leading to their arrest and the prevention of significant financial losses (Europol, 2020).

In conclusion, technological advancements have had a profound impact on the field of criminal investigation, providing law enforcement agencies with powerful tools to solve crimes more effectively and efficiently. From DNA analysis to digital forensics, these technologies have not only enhanced investigative capabilities but also improved the overall accuracy and reliability of criminal investigations.

Legal and Ethical Considerations in Investigation

Legal and ethical considerations play a crucial role in guiding the conduct of criminal investigations. Adherence to laws, regulations, and ethical standards is essential to ensure that investigations are not only effective but also just and respectful of the rights of all involved parties.

Laws and Regulations Governing Criminal Investigations

Search and Seizure Laws : The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. Investigators must obtain warrants based on probable cause for searches and seizures in most circumstances. Exceptions to this requirement are closely scrutinized (LaFave, 2019).
Interrogation and Confession Laws : The Fifth Amendment provides protection against self-incrimination, and the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to legal counsel. The landmark case Miranda v. Arizona (1966) established that suspects must be informed of their rights before interrogation, a principle that is fundamental in criminal investigations (Leo, 2017).
Evidence Handling and Chain of Custody : Laws and regulations dictate how evidence should be collected, preserved, and presented in court. The chain of custody must be meticulously maintained to ensure that evidence is admissible in court (Houck & Siegel, 2015).
Jurisdictional Considerations : Criminal investigations often involve navigating jurisdictional challenges, especially in cases that cross state lines or national borders. Cooperation between different law enforcement agencies and adherence to respective legal frameworks are essential (Richards, 2016).

Ethical Considerations and the Importance of Maintaining Integrity During Investigations

Respect for Individual Rights : Ethical investigations require a balance between solving crimes and respecting the rights and dignity of individuals, including suspects, victims, and witnesses. This involves ensuring fairness, privacy, and avoiding bias in the investigative process (Pollock, 2019).
Avoidance of Corruption and Bias : Ethical considerations include the avoidance of corruption, undue influence, or bias in investigations. This includes guarding against confirmation bias, where investigators focus on evidence that supports their preconceived notions while ignoring contradictory evidence (Garrett, 2011).
Transparency and Accountability : Ethical investigations should be transparent and accountable. This includes being open about methods used, decisions made, and acknowledging and correcting errors when they occur (Inbau et al., 2013).
Dealing with Vulnerable Populations : Special ethical considerations arise when dealing with vulnerable populations, such as minors, the elderly, or those with mental health issues. Investigators must exercise additional care and sensitivity in these cases (Slobogin et al., 2018).
Professional Conduct and Training : Ongoing professional training and adherence to ethical standards of conduct are imperative for investigators. This includes understanding and upholding ethical guidelines set forth by professional organizations and law enforcement bodies (Kleinig, 2016).

In conclusion, legal and ethical considerations are foundational to the conduct of criminal investigations. They ensure that investigations are carried out in a manner that upholds the law, respects individual rights, and maintains the integrity and credibility of the criminal justice process.

Challenges in Criminal Investigations

Criminal investigations are complex and often fraught with various challenges that can hinder the process of uncovering the truth and achieving justice. Understanding these challenges is crucial for investigators as they navigate through the intricacies of each case.

Common Challenges Faced by Investigators

False Leads : One of the most common challenges in criminal investigations is the pursuit of false leads. These can divert valuable resources and time away from the actual trail, delaying the resolution of the case (Turvey, 2011).
Uncooperative Witnesses : Investigators often face the challenge of dealing with uncooperative witnesses who may be reluctant to provide information due to fear, mistrust of law enforcement, or loyalty to the suspects. Overcoming these barriers is crucial for gathering vital testimonial evidence (Inbau et al., 2013).
Complex Crime Scenes : Crime scenes can be complex and chaotic, particularly in cases of multiple crimes or where the scenes have been tampered with. Managing such scenes requires skill and experience to ensure valuable evidence is not overlooked or contaminated (Fisher & Fisher, 2012).
Managing Large Volumes of Information : Modern criminal investigations can generate vast amounts of information and data. Effectively managing and analyzing this information to identify relevant evidence is a significant challenge (Casey, 2011).
Technological Challenges : With the increasing use of technology in crimes, investigators must stay abreast of technological advancements and develop expertise in digital forensics. This is essential for solving crimes involving digital devices and online platforms (Brenner, 2010).

Impact of Social, Cultural, and Economic Factors on Investigations

Cultural and Linguistic Barriers : Investigations can be impacted by cultural and linguistic barriers, especially in diverse societies. Misunderstandings or misinterpretations can occur, and investigators must be culturally sensitive and aware to effectively interact with individuals from various backgrounds (Richards, 2016).
Economic Constraints : Limited resources and funding can significantly impact the scope and depth of investigations. Budget constraints may limit access to advanced forensic technologies or sufficient personnel to conduct thorough investigations (Garrett, 2011).
Social and Community Relations : The relationship between law enforcement and the community can significantly impact investigations. Mistrust or hostility towards law enforcement in certain communities can hinder cooperation, while strong community relations can aid in gathering crucial information (Skolnick & Fyfe, 1993).
Media Influence : The media can both help and hinder criminal investigations. While media coverage can lead to tips from the public, it can also create false narratives, pressure to solve cases quickly, and compromise the privacy of involved parties (Surette, 2015).
Legal and Ethical Boundaries : Navigating the legal and ethical boundaries in investigations is a constant challenge. Investigators must ensure that their methods are legally sound and ethically justified to uphold the integrity of the investigation and the justice process (Pollock, 2019).

In conclusion, criminal investigations are subject to a multitude of challenges that require investigators to be adaptable, resourceful, and vigilant. Overcoming these challenges is critical for the successful resolution of cases and the upholding of justice.

The intricate process of criminal investigation and evidence gathering stands as a pillar in the criminal justice system, highlighting its profound impact on the pursuit of truth and justice. This article has traversed the expansive landscape of these essential components, from the meticulous collection of various types of evidence to the nuanced challenges investigators face in their quest to solve crimes.

In the realm of criminal justice, the importance of conducting thorough investigations and gathering robust evidence cannot be overstated. These practices form the bedrock upon which cases are built and adjudicated, ensuring that the outcomes of criminal proceedings are grounded in factual accuracy and legal integrity. Effective investigation and meticulous evidence handling are not just procedural necessities; they are fundamental to upholding justice. They play a pivotal role in securing convictions for the guilty and, equally important, in safeguarding the innocent against wrongful prosecution. As such, they directly contribute to maintaining public trust and confidence in the legal system.

Looking towards the future, the field of criminal investigation is poised for continuous evolution, shaped by technological advancements and shifting legal and ethical landscapes. The growing integration of digital forensics, advancements in DNA analysis, and the potential application of artificial intelligence in investigative work are set to redefine the capabilities of law enforcement agencies. These technological strides, however, bring with them a need for ongoing training and professional development for investigators. Keeping pace with these advancements is crucial for effectively handling increasingly sophisticated crimes.

Additionally, as crimes extend beyond local and national boundaries, international collaboration becomes ever more critical. The sharing of information and resources, adherence to global legal standards, and cooperative efforts in tackling transnational crimes like cybercrime and human trafficking will be vital.

Ethical and legal considerations will continue to be at the forefront of investigative practices. Balancing the rights of individuals with the imperatives of justice poses a continual challenge. Upholding ethical standards and ensuring adherence to legal norms are paramount in maintaining the integrity of investigations.

Moreover, the relationship between law enforcement and the community remains a key factor in the effectiveness of investigations. Building and maintaining trust within communities enhances the ability of law enforcement to gather crucial information, thereby aiding in the resolution of crimes.

In conclusion, the landscape of criminal investigation and evidence gathering is one marked by complexity and constant change. Embracing technological advances, addressing ethical challenges, and fostering international and community cooperation are essential for the continued effectiveness and integrity of criminal investigations. As these fields advance, they will undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role in the administration of justice, adapting to meet the challenges of a changing world while steadfastly upholding the principles of law and order.

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Improving Criminal Investigations with Structured Analytic Techniques

First Online: 18 June 2020

Cite this chapter

Max M. Houck 13

Part of the book series: Advanced Sciences and Technologies for Security Applications ((ASTSA))

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The intelligence community has used structured analytic techniques, methods designed to reduce bias and increase transparency of process, for years. The techniques force analysts out of routine thinking and away from heuristic habits in order to increase creativity, more comprehensively evaluate the questions, and create a document trail that reveals the thinking process that led to the intelligence product. These methods can be adapted for use in criminal investigations to help reduce bias, improve accuracy, and avoid both wrongful convictions (over 2200 to date) and reparations (more than $2.2 billion) while optimizing resources. The methods shift the investigator from intuitive, daily thinking (System 1, in Kahneman’s terminology) to a more analytical approach (System 2) that creates a transparent process, regardless of the outcome. Structured analytical techniques are simple to use, inexpensive, and largely visual; they promote transparency, creativity, and group discussion, leading to better-supported results.

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The Evidence Base

Investigative Interviewing

Cognitive Biases in Criminal Case Evaluation: A Review of the Research

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The tendency to mistakenly perceive connections and meaning between unrelated things. A classic example of apophany is Skinner’s Box, where a hungry pigeon was put in a box and randomly given food pellets. Because the pigeon got a food pellet while performing some action, it correlated the food and the action. As the pigeon increased the number of times it performed that action, it strengthened the false correlation between the non-correlated events (the feeding was random) (Skinner 1948 ). In humans, one example is the Gambler’s Fallacy, where a perceived “hot streak” is in fact related to chance (Burns and Corpus 2004 ).

If your answer was $0.10, that’s System 1 talking. If the bat costs $1 more than the ball, the ball has to be $0.05 ($1.05 + $0.05 = $1.10). If the ball cost $0.10, the bat and ball would cost $1.20.

Carbon-based compounds in the juice are absorbed into the paper’s fibers. Because lemon juice ink is a weak acid, it softens the fibers in the paper. When the paper is warmed, the added heat causes some of the chemical bonds in the dried juice to break down and carbon is released. When the carbon comes into contact with air, it oxidizes, turning the juice pattern brown and, thus, visible.

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The model was developed at Gordon Training International in the 1970s with different terminology than is commonly used now ( gordontraining.com ). The model is frequently but incorrectly attributed to Abraham Maslow . It is conceptually similar to the Johari Window (Luft and Ingham 1961 ) which lists knowns and unknowns for an individual in relation to others in a heuristic exercise.

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Anthony J. Masys

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Houck, M.M. (2020). Improving Criminal Investigations with Structured Analytic Techniques. In: Fox, B., Reid, J., Masys, A. (eds) Science Informed Policing. Advanced Sciences and Technologies for Security Applications. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-41287-6_7

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criminal investigation

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The Canadian Encyclopedia - Criminal Investigation

criminal investigation , ensemble of methods by which crimes are studied and criminals apprehended. The criminal investigator seeks to ascertain the methods, motives, and identities of criminals and the identity of victims and may also search for and interrogate witnesses.

Identification of a criminal who has left no fingerprints or other conclusive evidence can often be advanced by analysis of the modus operandi; professional criminals tend to stick to a certain technique ( e.g., forcing entrance), to seek certain types of booty, and to leave a certain trademark ( e.g., the means by which a victim is tied up). Criminal-investigation departments compile such data, as well as lists of stolen and lost property, and have ready access to such public records as automobile and firearms registrations and such private records as laundry and dry-cleaners’ marks, pawnshop and secondhand-dealers’ transactions, and many more.

Information flows in more or less continuously from police informants and undercover agents. Wiretapping and other electronic-surveillance methods have become extremely important, though subject to legal restraints.

Interrogation of suspects is one of the most important functions of criminal investigation. In most countries this proceeding is delicate because a confession gained in violation of the suspect’s rights can be repudiated in court. The use of the polygraph, or lie detector , is also subject to widespread courtroom limitations.

Of increasing assistance in criminal investigation is the crime laboratory , equipped to deal with a wide range of physical evidence by means of chemical and other analysis. Techniques of identification, especially fingerprinting, and more recently voiceprinting and even “DNA fingerprinting” (a technique that is still experimental), have come to prominence in modern investigation. Photography and photomicrography, document examination, ballistics, and other scientific techniques are also standard crime-laboratory tools. Forensic medicine can supply analysis of blood and urine and identify traces of chemical substances in bodily organs of homicide victims.

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How To Become A Criminal Investigator: Steps, Certifications And Career Data

Updated: Jan 5, 2024, 2:13am

How To Become A Criminal Investigator: Steps, Certifications And Career Data

Criminal investigators are a crucial part of any working society—they get justice for victims and work to put lawbreakers in jail. Although criminal investigation can be a mentally and physically taxing role, solving crimes comes with its rewards.

This guide offers information on how to become a criminal investigator. We also explore the job outlook for professionals in this criminal justice career , along with salary expectations and available certifications.

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What Is a Criminal Investigator?

Criminal investigators work with law enforcement agencies, businesses and individuals to gather evidence and solve crimes.

They rely on science, data and witness testimonies to find facts. Therefore, these professionals typically collaborate with forensic scientists, medical examiners and other law enforcement personnel.

Criminal investigators undergo numerous processes to uncover the truth. An investigator’s day-to-day tasks may include the following:

Analyzing crime scenes
Writing detailed case reports
Examining written records
Interviewing witnesses and suspects
Collecting, analyzing and preparing trial evidence
Testifying their findings in court

How to Become a Criminal Investigator

Requirements for criminal investigator positions may differ based on the state and type of investigation. The following steps are a good starting point for most aspiring investigators.

Get an Education

The first step to becoming a professional in any field is adequate training. Most employers of criminal investigators are satisfied if you have a GED® or high school diploma. Working for the federal government requires a bachelor’s in criminal justice or a related major like criminology, forensic science or psychology.

Earning a bachelor’s degree requires time, money and discipline. It takes about four years and 120 credits to complete a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college. Tuition and fees for in-state students at public universities cost $9,596 per year on average, according to the National Center for Education Statistics .

Gain Experience

Many employers require criminal investigator applicants to have professional law enforcement experience. In this case, working as a police officer or detective counts as valid experience.

However, becoming a police officer involves its own set of steps. After obtaining your high school diploma or GED® certificate, you might need to earn a bachelor’s degree, depending on the agency or police department where you plan to work. You’ll then have to pass a law enforcement entrance exam, which grants admission into a police academy.

Consider Earning Certification

Certification verifies a professional’s level of expertise in their field. After gaining some law enforcement experience, you might earn certification to set yourself apart from other applicants in the criminal investigation space.

Some of the most recognized designations for aspiring criminal investigators are the Certified Legal Investigator and Professional Certified Investigator® credentials. The following section offers more details about these designations.

Certifications for Criminal Investigators

While certifications can increase your chances of getting hired, these credentials are not a prerequisite for becoming a criminal investigator. They may, however, boost your credibility and earning potential.

Let’s break down the two most popular certifications for criminal investigators.

Certified Legal Investigator

As its name implies, this designation is exclusive to legal investigators—professionals who assist attorneys in obtaining evidence in preparation for trial. The National Association of Legal Investigators created the CLI designation in 1978 to affirm that its holders possess superior competence in the field of legal investigation.

To qualify for this designation, you must:

Earn licensure if it is required by the state where you intend to practice.
Have at least five years of work experience as an investigator. Alternatively, you can substitute 60 semester hours for one year of work experience.
Submit a 1,000-word research paper on any investigative subject 30 days before the established test date.
Score at least 70% on the oral and written tests.

Professional Certified Investigator

The Professional Certified Investigator certification indicates that the holder has in-depth experience in security investigations and case management. ASIS International issues this credential, which validates investigators’ ability to collect valuable information through tactics like interviews, interrogation and surveillance.

This certification is ideal for all criminal investigators. To obtain it, you must:

Have three to five years of investigative experience (depending on educational qualification) and at least two years of case management experience
Have full-time employment experience in a security-related role
Not have been convicted of any criminal offense that would reflect poorly on the certification program
Sign the ASIS certification code of conduct
Pass the PCI examination, which consists of 140 questions

Important Skills for Criminal Investigators

Surveillance skills.

Criminal investigators must learn to blend in and observe persons of interest without raising suspicion.

Perceptiveness

Investigators must be detail-oriented, aware of their surroundings and able to anticipate people’s reactions in specific situations.

Analytical Skills

A criminal investigator must be able to process information through critical thinking and logical reasoning to derive conclusions and make decisions.

Communication

Investigators must know how to persuade material witnesses and criminals to provide accurate statements. They must also learn to present their findings concisely in reports and in court.

Physical Strength

Criminal investigators must be physically strong enough to apprehend criminals before backup arrives.

Criminal Investigator Salary and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), detectives and investigators earn a median annual salary of $86,280. The BLS also projects that the employment rate of criminal investigators will increase by 1% from 2022 to 2032.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Requirements for a Criminal Investigator

Is criminal investigation a good career.

Criminal investigation is a suitable career for individuals who enjoy solving puzzles and who are passionate about justice. Investigators also make above-average salaries, according to the BLS.

How do I start my career as an investigator?

You can start your career as an investigator by getting an education and attending a police academy. After gaining professional law enforcement experience, you can pursue a criminal investigator career.

What skills do you need to be a criminal investigator?

Working as a criminal investigator requires surveillance skills, perceptiveness, physical strength and analytical and communication skills.

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In five years of writing for various audiences, Uche has learned to simplify career-focused content for ambitious learners regardless of their qualifications. Her work is published in notable platforms such as Hackernoon and Hashnode.

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Case summaries.

Court Documents

, of Auburn, Georgia, and , of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, were charged by information and indictment, respectively, with purchasing and selling Medicare beneficiary identification numbers (“BINs”) in connection with their role in a nearly $20 million over-the-counter (“OTC”) COVID-19 test fraud scheme. As alleged, Cotugno sold hundreds of thousands of BINs and other personal data to labs around the country, including to two laboratories co-owned by Potter based in Birmingham, Alabama and Spanish Fort, Alabama. The BINs were used to bill Medicare tens of millions of dollars for OTC COVID-19 test kits, many of which had not been requested by the beneficiaries. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Bodnar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina Vann is handling asset forfeiture. , 38, and , 49, of Scottsdale, Arizona, were charged by indictment with various counts of conspiracy, health care fraud, receiving kickbacks, and money laundering in connection with an alleged scheme to fraudulently bill Medicare $900 million for highly expensive amniotic allografts. The defendants targeted elderly Medicare patients, many of whom were terminally ill in hospice care, through their companies—Apex Mobile Medical LLC, Apex Medical LLC, Viking Medical Consultants LLC, and APX Mobile Medical LLC. The defendants caused unnecessary and extremely expensive amniotic grafts to be applied to these vulnerable patients’ wounds indiscriminately, without coordination with the patients’ treating physicians, without proper treatment for infection, to superficial wounds that did not need this treatment, and in sizes excessively larger than the wound. In just sixteen months, Medicare paid the defendants more than $600 million as a result of their fraud scheme, paying on average more than a million dollars per patient for these unnecessary grafts. The defendants received more than $330 million in illegal kickbacks from the graft distributor in exchange for purchasing, ordering, and arranging for the purchasing of the grafts billed to Medicare. Significant assets were seized upon the defendants’ arrests, including luxury vehicles, gold, and bank accounts totaling more than $70 million. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Shane Butland of the National Rapid Response Strike Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Williams of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona. , 55, of Phoenix, Arizona, is charged by information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with the APX scheme. As alleged in the information, Ching was paid by APX to apply medically unnecessary allografts to Medicare patients that were procured through kickbacks and bribes. Between June 2023 and January 2024, APX fraudulently billed Medicare over $87 million for allografts applied by Ching. Medicare paid APX over $65 million based on those false and fraudulent claims. And from January 2024 through March 2024, Ching, through his company H3 Medical Clinic LLC, billed Medicare over $5 million for allografts that he procured through kickbacks and bribes and applied to Medicare beneficiaries without medical necessity. Medicare paid over $4 million based on those false and fraudulent claims. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Shane Butland of the National Rapid Response Strike Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Williams of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona. , 53, of Gilbert, Arizona, is charged by information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with the APX scheme. As alleged in the information, Jameson was paid by Apex Mobile Medical and APX to apply medically unnecessary allografts to Medicare beneficiaries that were procured through kickbacks and bribes. Between November 2022 and August 2023, Apex Mobile Medical and APX billed Medicare over $71 million for allografts applied by Jameson. Medicare paid over $49 million based on those false and fraudulent claims. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Shane Butland of the National Rapid Response Strike Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Williams of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona. , 52, of San Tan Valley, Arizona, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice in connection with an alleged $69 million scheme involving a substance abuse treatment clinic in Arizona. As alleged in the indictment, Anagho owned Tusa Integrated Clinic LLC (“Tusa”), an outpatient treatment center, which was purportedly in the business of providing addiction treatment services for persons suffering from alcohol and drug addiction. Tusa enrolled as a provider with Arizona’s Medicaid agency, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, and submitted false and fraudulent claims for services that were not provided, were not provided as billed, were so substandard that they failed to serve a treatment purpose, were not used as part of or integrated into any treatment plan, and were medically unnecessary. Anagho also instructed former Tusa employees to create false therapy notes for sessions they did not conduct in 2023 after she was served with a subpoena for Tusa’s records as part of the government’s investigation of this fraud. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Chief James Hayes and Trial Attorney Sarah Edwards of the National Rapid Response Strike Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Williams of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona. , 45, of Tempe, Arizona, and , 44, of Gilbert, Arizona, were charged by separate informations with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with an alleged $57 million substance abuse treatment fraud scheme. As alleged in the informations, Mutwol and Koleosho owned Community Hope Wellness Center LLC (“CHWC”), an outpatient treatment center, which was purportedly in the business of providing addiction treatment services for persons suffering from alcohol and drug addiction. CHWC enrolled as a provider with Arizona Medicaid. To obtain and retain patients for CHWC whose insurance could be billed for substance abuse treatment services, Mutwol and Koleosho offered and paid kickbacks and bribes to owners of residences that housed substance abuse treatment patients, in exchange for these residence owners referring patients for treatment to CHWC. Mutwol and Koleosho submitted $57 million of false and fraudulent claims to Arizona Medicaid for treatment services that were not provided, were not provided as billed, were not provided by qualified personnel, were so substandard that they failed to serve a treatment purpose, were not used or integrated into any treatment plan, and were medically unnecessary. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney S. Babu Kaza of the Midwest Strike Force, Assistant Chief James Hayes of the National Rapid Response Strike Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Williams of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona. , 36, of Moreno Valley, California, was charged by information with two counts of health care fraud in connection with an alleged scheme to fraudulently bill Medicaid of California (“Medi-Cal”) $307 million for medications that were medically unnecessary and in many instances not provided, and that were obtained through illegal kickbacks. Mekail was the pharmacist and owner of MONTE VP LLC d/b/a Monte Vista Pharmacy, a pharmacy located in Montclair, California. Medi-Cal generally required providers to obtain prior authorization before billing for certain medications, including medications that contained inexpensive generic ingredients but were manufactured in unique dosages, combinations, or package quantities, and were not included in the applicable maximum price lists that capped Medi-Cal reimbursements (“non-contracted, generic drugs”). However, as of January 2022, Medi-Cal temporarily suspended the prior authorization requirement. Beginning in May 2022, Mekail paid kickbacks to co-schemers for prescriptions for certain non-contracted, generic drugs (the “Fraud Scheme Medications”), for which Monte Vista could bill Medi-Cal. Other co-schemer medical providers were paid to write prescriptions for the Fraud Scheme Medications using the names and personal information of Medi-Cal patients provided by other co-schemers. Mekail then submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medi-Cal for purportedly dispensing the Fraud Scheme Medications knowing that the medications were medically unnecessary and in many instances were not provided, and that the prescriptions were obtained through kickbacks. In total, Mekail submitted and caused the submission of approximately $306,521,392 in false and fraudulent claims to Medi-Cal for purportedly dispensing the Fraud Scheme Medications, of which Medi-Cal paid approximately $204,032,151. In November 2023, the government seized approximately $108,683,368 in assets tied to the alleged scheme. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Chief Niall M. O’Donnell and Trial Attorney Siobhan M. Namazi of the Los Angeles Strike Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger A. Hsieh of the Central District of California. Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Dochterman is handling asset forfeiture. , 53, of Laguna Niguel, California, was charged by information with health care fraud in connection with a scheme to bill private insurers for the cost of dental services that she did not perform. According to the information, Boniadi, a licensed dentist, billed insurers for the cost of providing fillings to patients when Boniadi actually provided a resin restoration that reimbursed less, leading to a total actual loss of $142,677. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Chief Niall M. O’Donnell of the Los Angeles Strike Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin R. Barron of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. , 30, of Peoria, Arizona, was charged by information with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in connection with his role in an unlawful scheme to distribute Adderall and other stimulants. As alleged in the information, in the course and scope of his work for Done Health, P.C. and Done Global Inc. (“Done”), Levy, Done’s Executive Leader, Operations and Strategy, conspired to distribute Adderall and other stimulants by means of the Internet that were not for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice. Health Care Fraud Unit Principal Assistant Deputy Chief Jacob Foster, Trial Attorney Raymond Beckering III of the National Rapid Response Strike Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristina Green and Katherine Lloyd-Lovett of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case. , 58, of Plano, Texas, was charged by information with conspiracy to defraud the United States and distribute controlled substances in connection with his role in an unlawful scheme to distribute Adderall and other stimulants. As alleged in the information, in the course and scope of his work for Done Health, P.C. and Done Global Inc., Lucchese, a medical doctor, issued prescriptions for Adderall and other stimulants that were not for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice. Health Care Fraud Unit Principal Assistant Chief Jacob Foster, Trial Attorney Raymond Beckering III of the National Rapid Response Strike Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristina Green and Katherine Lloyd-Lovett of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case. , 37, of Glenwood, New Jersey, was charged by information with conspiracy to defraud the United States and distribute controlled substances in connection with her role in an unlawful scheme to distribute Adderall and other stimulants. As alleged in the information, in the course and scope of her work for Done Health, P.C. and Done Global Inc., Cruz, a nurse practitioner, issued prescriptions for Adderall and other stimulants, including to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, that were not for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice. Health Care Fraud Unit Principal Assistant Chief Jacob Foster, Trial Attorney Raymond Beckering III of the National Rapid Response Strike Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristina Green and Katherine Lloyd-Lovett of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case. , 70, of Altadena, California, was charged by information with conspiracy to defraud the United States and distribute controlled substances in connection with her role in an unlawful scheme to distribute Adderall and other stimulants. As alleged, in the course and scope of her work for Done Health, P.C. and Done Global Inc., Pratcher, a nurse practitioner, issued prescriptions for Adderall and other stimulants, including to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, that were not for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice. Health Care Fraud Unit Principal Assistant Chief Jacob Foster, Trial Attorney Raymond Beckering III of the National Rapid Response Strike Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristina Green and Katherine Lloyd-Lovett of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case. , 69, and , 40, both of Melbourne, Florida, were charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and pay unlawful remuneration. Cindy Justice was the owner and president of PureScience Rx, a compounding pharmacy located in Poway, California. Ashleigh Davis was the Operations Manager at PureScience Rx and was a licensed pharmacy technician. As alleged in the indictment, the defendants conspired to execute a scheme to defraud Medicare in connection with medically unnecessary and exorbitantly priced compound prescriptions supposedly for a “foot bath” treatment. The defendants were paid a total of $4.6 million by Medicare. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Valerie H. Chu of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of California. , 42, of North Hills, California, was charged by complaint with conspiracy to solicit and receive illegal remunerations for referrals to clinical treatment facilities. According to the complaint, Bojorquez brought patients to substance abuse treatment facilities in exchange for payments. In December 2019, Bojorquez texted a co-conspirator, referring to potential patients, “Might have 2 for u ima go see them tonight.” The co-conspirator, who owned a treatment facility in Fallbrook, California, replied: “Yay sweet.” In April 2020, as Bojorquez was bringing a patient to the facility, he texted, “Stopping at Starbucks in Oceanside but we’re close to the facility Back on the road....” The facility’s owner responded, “Ok cool. I left an envelope for u.” Inside of this envelope was a $5,000.00 check from the facility. Bojorquez later texted, “Touchdown” when he arrived with the patient. Between October 24, 2018, and January 22, 2024, the facility paid Bojorquez approximately $176,000 in kickbacks for the referral of patients. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Valerie H. Chu of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of California. , 52, of Tijuana, Mexico, and , 45, of Chula Vista, California, were charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and pay unlawful remunerations, as well as with health care fraud, in connection with a scheme to defraud Medicare by making false and fraudulent claims for durable medical equipment (“DME”) products. Beginning no later than in or about 2016, and continuing through in or about 2022, Portilla and Silva conspired with each other and with others to defraud Medicare by operating, managing, and hiring call centers located in Mexico. These centers were filled with agents who attempted to locate and contact Medicare beneficiaries living in the United States. The defendants and their co-conspirators created call scripts for the call center agents to attempt to persuade Medicare beneficiaries to agree to accept one or more DME products. Silva located, contracted with, and paid telemedicine companies to get doctors’ signatures on orders for the DME products. DME products were orthotic braces, including spinal and knee braces and any additional medical equipment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Valerie H. Chu of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of California. , 54, of Bloomfield, Connecticut, was charged by information with one count of health care fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud the Connecticut Medicaid program of $670,963. As alleged in the information, Tyson, a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor, and another individual engaged in a scheme to submit fraudulent claims for psychotherapy services that were either not rendered at all, or which falsely represented the identity of the provider who purportedly rendered the service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Sheldon of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut. , 53, of Kissimmee, Florida, was charged by information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with an alleged scheme to fraudulently obtain over $9.3 million in Medicare funds. According to the information, Cadet, the owner of durable medical equipment (“DME”) companies KGA Medical Supply LLC and Sapphire Medical Supply LLC, caused the submission of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for DME that was medically unnecessary and ineligible for reimbursement by Medicare. Cadet offered and paid illegal kickbacks to her co-conspirators at purported telemedicine companies in exchange for signed doctors’ orders for medically unnecessary orthotic braces that were ultimately billed to Medicare. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Jessica A. Massey of the Florida Strike Force. , 65, of Clearwater, Florida, and , 60, of Largo, Florida, were charged by indictment with conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive illegal health care kickbacks, as well as with paying illegal health care kickbacks to patient recruiters, all in connection with an alleged scheme to refer Medicare beneficiaries to Prestigious Senior Home Health Care, Inc. (“Prestigious”) and to submit false and fraudulent claims totaling over $2 million for home health services. LeBeau owned Prestigious and Lebrecht was Prestigious’ Director of Nursing. The indictment alleges that LeBeau and Lebrecht conspired to pay, and paid, patient recruiters per patient referral that Prestigious to billed to Medicare. Medicare paid approximately $1.3 million based on the false and fraudulent claims. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Reginald Cuyler Jr. and Charles D. Strauss of the Florida Strike Force. , 46, of Sarasota, Florida was charged by indictment with conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks, and with paying illegal health care kickbacks, in connection with a scheme to pay illegal health care kickbacks to patient recruiters in exchange for referring Medicare beneficiaries. The alleged scheme involved Desselle, through his company Desselle’s Sky High Enterprise, LLC, paying marketers on a per-patient basis to recruit Medicare beneficiaries for cancer genetic testing (“CGx”) tests which were not medically necessary. As a result of the charged scheme, Medicare paid approximately $4.5 million on CGx claims billed for these beneficiaries. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Charles D. Strauss of the Florida Strike Force. , 29, of Windermere, Florida, was charged by information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with an alleged scheme to fraudulently obtain over $3.4 million in Medicare funds. According to the information, Green, owner of durable medical equipment (“DME”) companies Onyx Medical Supply LLC and AquaMed Supply LLC, caused the submission of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for DME that was medically unnecessary and ineligible for reimbursement by Medicare. Green offered and paid kickbacks to his co-conspirators at purported telemedicine companies in exchange for signed doctor’s orders for medically unnecessary orthotic braces that were ultimately billed to Medicare. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Jessica A. Massey of the Florida Strike Force. , 56, of Lithia, Florida, was charged by indictment with six counts of tampering with a consumer product and six counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud in connection with her unlawfully acquiring and tampering with fentanyl infusion bags at a hospital. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Pizzo of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. , 57, of Miami, Florida, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to defraud the United States and to solicit and receive illegal kickbacks and bribes, as well as with illegal monetary transactions, in connection with a scheme to submit false and fraudulent claims to Medicare. As alleged in the indictment, Waldman worked for ASAP Lab, LLC as a sales representative. Waldman used his position with ASAP to travel throughout the State of Florida, and elsewhere, to obtain genetic test and respiratory viral panel test swabs from Medicare beneficiaries. Waldman and his coconspirators used the test swabs, along with requisition forms containing forged and unauthorized signatures of medical practitioners, to obtain approximately $380,000 in illegal kickbacks and bribes for causing the submission of false and fraudulent claims for reimbursement from Medicare. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany E. Fields of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. , 54, of Orlando, Florida, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances, in connection with her role in an unlawful scheme to distribute Adderall and other stimulants. As alleged in the indictment, Kim was a nurse practitioner employed by Done, a California-based digital health company. In the course of her employment with Done, Kim prescribed Adderall and other stimulants that were not for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice. The indictment further alleges that Kim and others fabricated patient files and signed prescriptions for Adderall and other stimulants where Done patients did not meet the requisite diagnostic criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, where the prescriptions posed a risk of diversion, and where the dosages went beyond what was normally prescribed. In total, Kim is alleged to have prescribed over 1.5 million pills of Adderall and other stimulants, for which she was paid by Done over $800,000. Trial Attorney Raymond Beckering III of the National Rapid Response Strike Force is prosecuting the case. , 28, of Lakeland, Florida, was charged by indictment with tampering with a consumer product and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud in connection with his unlawfully acquiring and tampering with fentanyl infusion bags. As alleged in the indictment, Brewer, a registered nurse who worked in intensive care units, engaged in two similar criminal schemes to divert fentanyl at five different Tampa-area hospitals across seven different dates. In the first scheme, which Brewer executed on several occasions, Brewer stole fentanyl by checking out 100 mL bags of liquid fentanyl from locked controlled substance cabinets but keeping the bags for himself rather than administering them to patients or returning them. In the second scheme, Brewer used hospital computers to research which patients were receiving fentanyl intravenously, entered those patients’ rooms even when he had no medical reason to do so, and surreptitiously siphoned fentanyl from their IV drip bags into his own vessel; Brewer would then go to the hospital bathroom, where he would inject himself with stolen fentanyl. Sometimes, Brewer tried to cover his theft by replacing the fentanyl he withdrew with an equivalent volume of saline, but sometimes he did not. In both scenarios, however, Brewer’s actions deprived the most vulnerable patients of needed medicine. Brewer was caught when colleagues observed him acting impaired during a shift and the person who entered the bathroom immediately after Brewer exited found a bloody paper towel and needle inside. Hospital officials subsequently examined records and video and discovered Brewer’s pattern of diversion. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Gordon of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. , , 45, , 58, , 53, , 53, , 42, , 37, , 38, , 41, , 42, , 37, and , 34, were charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering for their role in distributing the proceeds of 14 durable medical equipment (“DME”) companies. According to the indictment, Medicare and Medicaid paid these 14 companies approximately $17,600,000 as a result of false and fraudulent claims for DME. The indictment details how the DME companies transferred approximately $3,906,649 of the fraud proceeds to shell companies, including those owned by Ramos Izquierdo, Ruiz Ulloa, Canova Cebrian, Cisneros Cebrian, Rio Roche, and Claro Estrada. Those defendants then made cash withdrawals from their shell companies and also wrote checks from the shell companies that received these fraud proceeds to individual check cashers, including individual checks between $4,000 and $9,000 totaling a combined approximate amount of $2,513,381 made out to Abreu Perez, Gonzalez Diaz, Martinez Lambrano, Gomez Contreras, Colina Garcia, and Diaz Salas. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Will J. Rosenzweig of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marx Calderon is handling asset forfeiture. , 49, of Land O’ Lakes, Florida, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering for his role in distributing the proceeds of a fraudulent durable medical equipment company. The indictment alleges that in connection with his role as the president and registered agent of Gold Medical Supply Inc., a company that submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid in the approximate amount of $7,498,260 and was paid approximately $1,402,478 by Medicare and Medicaid, Garcia Jorge transferred approximately $1,384,875 of the fraud proceeds to shell companies located in the Southern District of Florida. Garcia Jorge did so by writing approximately $174,990 in checks directly to those shell companies, but also by transferring approximately $1,209,855 to three other Gold Medical bank accounts that he controlled before then transferring them to the same shell companies. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Will J. Rosenzweig of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marx Calderon is handling asset forfeiture. , 55, of Land O’ Lakes, Florida, was charged by information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud various private insurance plans. According to the information, Acosta was a licensed physical therapist who worked at Phoenix Rehab Center Corp., a medical clinic based in Miami, Florida. Acosta’s co-conspirators offered and paid kickbacks to patient recruiters in exchange for referring beneficiaries of Administrative Services Only (“ASO”) corporate insurance plans, held by employers JetBlue Airways and AT&T Inc. and administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield (“BCBS”), to Phoenix Rehab for various forms of physical therapy treatments that they did not need and in many cases never received. Acosta falsified and backdated claims forms for submission to BCBS that falsely and fraudulently represented that various health care benefits had been provided by Phoenix Rehab to beneficiaries of BCBS and ASO insurance plans managed by BCBS. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Will J. Rosenzweig of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marx Calderon is handling asset forfeiture. , 55, of Miami, Florida, was charged by information with conspiracy to offer and pay health care kickbacks to patients. Hernandez, as the administrator of the clinic Advanced Community Wellness Center, Inc. in Hialeah, Florida, participated in a conspiracy to pay patients illegal kickbacks to attend psychosocial rehabilitation services at the clinic which were then billed to Medicaid. This conduct resulted in an improper benefit of at least $400,597 and in claims to Medicaid totaling over approximately $3.5 million. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Abraham of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Stone is handling asset forfeiture. , 35, of Fort Myers, Florida, was charged by indictment with health care fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid of nearly $3 million for durable medical equipment (“DME”) that was never supplied to Medicare beneficiaries and Medicaid recipients. As alleged in the indictment, Rivera Bermudez was the president and operator of Acqualina Health Medical Solutions Inc. (“Acqualina”), a company located in North Miami, Florida, that purported to provide DME to eligible Medicare and Medicaid recipients. In a ten-month period, Acqualina submitted approximately $2.9 million in allegedly fraudulent health care claims to Medicare and Medicaid for DME that Acqualina never provided, and that Medicare and Medicaid recipients never requested or needed. As a result, Medicare and Medicaid paid approximately $1.2 million to Acqualina. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Canzio of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitch Hyman is handling asset forfeiture. , 58, of Miami, Florida, was charged by information with conspiracy to offer and pay health care kickbacks to patients in connection with a scheme to defraud Medicaid. As alleged in the information, Pajon, as the owner of the Miami, Florida clinic Gables Community Wellness Center, Inc., participated in a conspiracy to pay patients illegal kickbacks to attend psychosocial rehabilitation services at the clinic which were then billed to Medicaid. This conduct resulted in an improper benefit of at least $1,338,184 and in claims to Medicaid totaling over approximately $6 million. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Abraham of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Stone is handling asset forfeiture. , 34, of Homestead, Florida, and , 48, of Austin, Texas, were charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud in connection with an alleged scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $3.2 million in Medicare funds. According to the indictment, Sanchez Cardet was involved in arranging the purchase of a durable medical equipment company, PRNX Medical Supply Corp., that was acquired for the sole purpose of submitting fraudulent claims to Medicare. According to the indictment, Sanchez Cardet was also involved in installing Cabrera Marquez as the sole listed officer of PRNX Medical who signed relevant documents on behalf of the company, in order to conceal the identities of the beneficial owners of the company. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aimee C. Jimenez of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daren Grove is handling asset forfeiture. , 55, of Parkland, Florida, was charged by information with conspiracy to commit money laundering for allegedly laundering illegal proceeds derived from a health care fraud scheme. According to the information, five durable medical equipment (“DME”) companies received approximately $5 million from Medicare for the submission of false and fraudulent claims for DME that they did not actually provide and/or was not medically necessary. Espinoza then laundered approximately $3.4 million of those fraud proceeds, primarily through his own company, Danoza Enterprises, and disbursed the proceeds to himself, his family, and others involved in the fraud. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aimee C. Jimenez of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daren Grove is handling asset forfeiture. , 34, and , 30, both of Boca Raton, Florida, were charged by indictment with conspiracy to defraud the United States and to receive health care kickbacks, solicitation and receipt of kickbacks in connection with a federal health care program, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering in connection with an alleged kickback scheme involving a laboratory based in Texas. As alleged in the indictment, Justin Blair and Trevor Blair were partners in P.I.C. Group 21, LLC (“PIC Group”), a call center that conducted deceptive telemarketing to persuade Medicare beneficiaries and their doctors to order genetic tests. PIC Group allegedly sold signed orders to the lab, which billed Medicare more than $3.5 million based on the orders from PIC Group. PIC Group allegedly received more than $2.5 million in kickbacks and laundered the proceeds through entities controlled by the defendants. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Owen Dunn of the Florida Strike Force. , 47, of Aventura, Florida; , 47, of Venice, California; , 57, of San Antonio, Texas; , 34, of Miami, Florida; and , 26, of Miami, Florida, were charged by superseding indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks, and conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with an alleged $65 million scheme to bill health care benefit programs, including Medicare and the Health Resources and Services Administration COVID-19 Uninsured Program, for medically unnecessary and otherwise non-reimbursable COVID-19 and genetic testing. Palacios and Perez were also charged with receipt of kickbacks in connection with a federal health care program. As alleged in the superseding indictment, Perez-Paris, Sanchez, and Caskey owned Innovative Genomics, an independent clinical laboratory in San Antonio, Texas. Perez-Paris, Sanchez, and Caskey paid kickbacks and bribes to physicians and patient recruiters, including Palacios and Perez, to generate orders for COVID-19 and genetic testing that Innovative Genomics would use to support false and fraudulent claims for reimbursement. The defendants also caused health care benefit programs to be billed for COVID-19 testing that the Food and Drug Administration had not approved for emergency-use authorization. The defendants further caused Medicare to be billed for genetic testing that patients did not need, that was procured by payments made directly to physicians, and that Innovative Genomics did not process. Trial Attorney Reginald Cuyler Jr. of the Florida Strike Force is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marx Calderon of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida is handling asset forfeiture. , 59, of Delray Beach, Florida, , 43, and , 46, both of Easton, Maryland were charged by indictment with conspiracy to introduce into interstate commerce adulterated and misbranded drugs and to defraud the United States; introducing into interstate commerce misbranded drugs; conspiracy to traffic in medical products with false documentation; conspiracy to commit wire fraud; and wire fraud. As alleged in the indictment, Patrick Boyd and Charles Boyd were the owners of Safe Chain Solutions LLC, a wholesale distributor of pharmaceutical drugs. Brosius was a part owner of Safe Chain and the owner of Worldwide Pharma Sales Group, Inc., which helped Safe Chain locate suppliers of HIV drugs and pharmacy customers to purchase HIV drugs. According to the indictment, Safe Chain purchased more than $90 million of heavily discounted and diverted prescription drugs, primarily HIV medication, from five black-market suppliers. These diverted HIV drugs were often acquired through unlawful “buyback” schemes, in which previously dispensed bottles of prescription drugs were purchased from patients. The drugs were then resold to Safe Chain with falsified documentation designed to conceal the true source of the medications. After purchasing HIV medication from the black-market suppliers, the defendants sold the diverted drugs to pharmacies throughout the country. Pharmacies then dispensed these diverted HIV medications to unsuspecting patients. At times, patients received bottles labeled as their prescription medication, but the bottles contained a different drug entirely, with one patient passing out and remaining unconscious for 24 hours after taking an anti-psychotic drug thinking it was his prescribed HIV medication. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Alexander Thor Pogozelski of the Market Integrity and Major Frauds Unit and Jacqueline DerOvanesian of the Florida Strike Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jorge Delgado of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida is handling asset forfeiture. , 45, of Pompano Beach, Florida, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, and health care fraud, in connection with her role in an unlawful scheme to defraud Medicare by submitting false and fraudulent claims for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (“DME”). As alleged in the indictment, Hiller was the owner of Lifeline Recruiting, Inc., which she used to pay medical providers to sign prescriptions for DME, even though the providers were not reviewing the beneficiaries’ medical records and were not making an actual assessment of medical necessity. Hiller described these providers as “happy clickers” or “auto-clickers.” Those prescriptions were then used to submit false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for the medically unnecessary DME. As a result of the scheme, Medicare paid more than $40 million on the false and fraudulent claims. Trial Attorney Raymond Beckering III of the National Rapid Response Strike Force is prosecuting the case. , 28, of Long Island City, New York was charged by information with health care fraud in connection with an alleged scheme to fraudulently bill Medicare for over $2.1 million for medically unnecessary orthotic braces, using sham contracts and invoices to disguise the payments. According to the information, Jackson, the owner of a marketing company called Jackson Media LLC, sold doctors’ orders for medically unnecessary orthotic braces to durable medical equipment suppliers in exchange for kickbacks and bribes. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Jacqueline DerOvanesian of the Florida Strike Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jorge Delgado of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida is handling asset forfeiture. , 48, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks, and solicitation and receipt of kickbacks. According to the indictment, Pattrin was one of the owners of Infinity Medical Supply LLC, a durable medical equipment (“DME”) company that billed Medicare for medically unnecessary DME based on doctors’ orders procured through illegal kickbacks and bribes. The indictment also alleges that Pattrin was one of the owners of National Health Care Advocates LLC, a purported marketing company that referred doctors’ orders for DME to DME companies in exchange for illegal kickbacks and bribes. The indictment alleges that Pattrin and his co-conspirators caused DME companies, including Infinity, to submit over $7.9 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Andrea Savdie of the Florida Strike Force. , 31, of Palm Beach County, Florida was charged by information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud. According to the information, Cascone owned two durable medical equipment (“DME”) companies, Limitless Medical Supplies, LLC and Your Medical Supply Co, LLC, that paid illegal kickbacks and bribes to a purported marketing company in exchange for referring beneficiaries and doctors’ orders for DME that was medically unnecessary and ineligible for reimbursement by Medicare. The information alleges that through Limitless Medical Supplies, LLC and Your Medical Supply Co, LLC, Cascone submitted approximately $3,493,466 in false and fraudulent claims for reimbursement from Medicare. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Andrea Savdie of the Florida Strike Force. , 37, of Hialeah, Florida, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, health care fraud, and wire fraud in a sober home scheme involving $19.2 million billed to private insurers. Pacheco owned and operated Florida Life Recovery and Rehabilitation LLC (“Florida Life”) which purportedly provided several levels of outpatient substance abuse care. As alleged in the indictment, Pacheco submitted or caused the submission of false and fraudulent claims to private insurers for therapy services that were not provided, or were not provided as billed, and excessive and medically unnecessary urinalyses that were not factored into patient treatment. The indictment further alleges that Pacheco fraudulently obtained Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program loans on behalf of Florida Life by falsely certifying that the company was not engaged in any illegal activities. In November 2023, Pacheco was elected to the City Council for the City of Hialeah. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Chief James Hayes of the National Rapid Response Strike Force and Trial Attorney Aisha Schafer Hylton of the Florida Strike Force. , 62, of Hialeah, Florida, and , 53, of Miami, Florida, were charged by information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with an alleged scheme to fraudulently obtain over $58,000 in Medicare funds. According to the information, Smith and Rodriguez were employees at a medical facility, and sold Medicare patient information in exchange for cash. That patient information was later used to submit false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for durable medical equipment that was never provided and/or was medically unnecessary and ineligible for reimbursement by Medicare. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Jessica A. Massey of the Florida Strike Force and Health Care Fraud Unit Assistant Chief Emily Gurskis. , 59, of Coral Springs, Florida, was charged by information with conspiracy to distribute and dispense controlled substances, in connection with a scheme to dispense controlled substances, primarily oxycodone. As alleged in the information, Kurian, a pharmacist, dispensed oxycodone knowing that these prescriptions were not written in the course of professional practice for a legitimate medical purpose. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Jacqueline DerOvanesian of the Florida Strike Force. , 38, of Miami, Florida, was charged by information with obstruction of criminal investigations of health care offenses. As charged in the information, from March 2022 through March 2023, Sacerio made false representations to law enforcement agents regarding her own knowledge, involvement, and financial interest in health care fraud offenses under investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Egozi and Lindsey Lazopoulos Friedman of the Southern District of Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Paster is handling asset forfeiture. , 59, of Wheaton, Illinois, a licensed clinical social worker, was charged by information with health care fraud, in connection with a scheme to defraud Medicare. As alleged in the information, between October 2020 and April 2022, Bach caused the submission of fraudulent claims to Medicare for psychological counseling services that were not actually provided. Bach purported to perform these services at memory care facilities in the Chicago metropolitan area. Through her scheme, Bach fraudulently obtained $122,130 in payments based on claims for services that were not provided. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Victor Yanz of the Midwest Strike Force. , 48, of New York, New York, was charged by complaint with health care fraud and engaging in a monetary transaction in criminally derived property, in connection with his ownership and operation of purported COVID-19 laboratory company Spectrum Lab Corp. As alleged in the complaint, Mohammed executed a scheme to defraud by using Spectrum Lab Corp. to bill Medicare for over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits that were not provided as represented. This fraud resulted in the submission of over $15 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, and payments by Medicare of approximately $7.1 million based on these claims. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Andres Almendarez and Victor Yanz of the Midwest Strike Force. , 57, of Corbin, Kentucky, was charged by information with health care fraud in connection with a scheme to bill Medicare and Medicaid for prescription drugs that were never dispensed by her pharmacy. As alleged, between January 2014 and June 2020, Collins, the owner of Stephanie’s Down Home Pharmacy, knowingly and willfully caused claims for prescription drugs to be submitted to those health care programs despite knowing that the drugs at issue were never dispensed to pharmacy customers, and obtained approximately $730,000 as a result of the scheme. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Smith of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky. , 69, of Oil Springs, Kentucky, was charged by information with a conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances by using the name and DEA registration number of another physician. As alleged, Bryson was a physician who had surrendered his medical license following a Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure investigation into his prescribing practices. Bryson continued to work as a “medical consultant” at a clinic in Paintsville, Kentucky owned by a co-conspirator, which utilized locum tenens providers to issue controlled substance prescriptions. In September 2021, Bryson agreed with the clinic owner to use the name and DEA registration number of a locum tenens provider no longer affiliated with the clinic, without that provider’s knowledge, in order to issue approximately 79 hydrocodone prescriptions, totaling approximately 6,915 hydrocodone pills. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Smith of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky. , 57, of Pendleton, Kentucky, was charged by information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering in connection with an alleged scheme to fraudulently obtain over $2.6 million in Medicare funds. According to the information, Abbas, through Aidmen Medical Equipment LLC and Justright Medical Equipment LLC, fraudulently billed Medicare for durable medical equipment which was medically unnecessary, unwanted by patients, and not prescribed by the patients’ medical providers. Based on those false and fraudulent claims, Medicare paid approximately $1.3 million. In addition, Abbas allegedly transferred offshore the proceeds of health care fraud in a value greater than $10,000. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Ansari of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky. , 44, of Glasgow, Kentucky, was charged by indictment with theft of medical products. According to the indictment, Uptegraff, a pharmacy employee, stole a pre-retail medical product, oxycodone, which had a value over $5,000. The alleged thefts took place at two different pharmacies prior to the controlled substances being made available for retail purchase by a consumer. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Ansari of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky. , 62, of Louisville, Kentucky, was charged by information with conspiracy to illegally use a Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) registration number issued to another. According to the information, Dr. Lawrence Peters allegedly conspired with others in his medical practice to issue pre-signed and unsigned prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances and further directed his staff to fill the prescriptions at his physician’s owned pharmacy. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Ansari and Chris Tieke of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky. , 55, of Louisville, Kentucky, was charged by indictment with mail fraud and health care fraud in connection with an alleged scheme to fraudulently obtain over $750,000 from her employer, a medical practice, and over $422,000 in Medicare funds. According to the indictment, Daniels was employed as the accounts manager for a medical practice when she used the medical practice’s credit cards to purchase personal items, transferred money from the practice’s bank account to pay the credit card invoices, transferred money from the practice’s bank account to pay for other personal credit card purchases, and used her access and position to bill for false and fraudulent medical procedures to pay credit card invoices in order to hide the unlawful use of the credit cards, all without her employer’s knowledge and authorization. As a result of the fraudulent scheme, health care benefit programs, including Medicare, paid over $79,000. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Ansari of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky. , 45, and , 40, of Clinton, Kentucky were charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, and aggravated identity theft in connection with an alleged scheme to fraudulently obtain over $1,000,000 from health care benefit programs. According to the indictment, Boaz and Augustus falsely and fraudulently billed various health care benefit programs for medications dispensed from the Clinton and Bardwell Pharmacies by using material misrepresentations, material omissions, and deception in order to obtain authorization for the medications from physicians and nurse practitioners. In addition, the indictment alleges that Boaz and Augustus knowingly possessed, transferred, or used the means of identification of two individuals, a nurse practitioner and a physician, including the individuals’ names and unique National Provider Identifier numbers, without lawful authority, in relation to the health care fraud. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky. , 57, of Slidell, Louisiana, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and health care fraud in connection with a scheme to bill Medicare for over-the-counter (“OTC”) COVID-19 test kits that were not requested or otherwise ineligible for reimbursement. According to the indictment, starting in or around November 2022, Peyroux conspired with others to purchase Medicare beneficiary information, including names, Medicare identification numbers, and clearly fabricated recordings of individuals posing as beneficiaries and “requesting” OTC COVID-19 test kits, which Peyroux used to bill Medicare through his chiropractic clinic for test kits. Peyroux then misappropriated the credentials of a former nurse practitioner that worked for him and falsely listed the nurse practitioner as the referring provider on the thousands of false and fraudulent claims. In total, in around six months, Peyroux allegedly billed Medicare approximately $3.3 million in false and fraudulent claims for OTC COVID-19 test kits through his clinic, for which Medicare reimbursed approximately $3.2 million. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters of the Gulf Coast Strike Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. , 39, of Orleans Parish, Louisiana, was charged by second superseding indictment for his role in health care and unemployment insurance fraud schemes. Dr. Tekippe, a chiropractor and owner of Metairie Chiropractic, was charged with health care fraud, making a false statement to a federal agent, and wire fraud. As alleged in the second superseding indictment, Dr. Tekippe billed Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana (“BCBSLA”) for chiropractic services he did not perform, lied to a federal agent about his falsification of medical records, and further claimed he was unemployed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when he was, in fact, billing for chiropractic services purportedly performed during his time of unemployment. It is alleged that, in total, Dr. Tekippe fraudulently submitted over $2.3 million in claims to BCBSLA for services not performed and was reimbursed approximately $740,000. Additionally, it is alleged that Dr. Tekippe received $12,952 in unemployment insurance benefits to which he was not entitled. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Kelly Z. Walters and Samantha Usher of the Gulf Coast Strike Force. , 64, of Thibodaux, Louisiana, was charged by information with health care fraud in connection with a scheme to bill private insurance companies for mental health treatment and medical services that were not provided. According to court documents, Barrilleaux, a licensed clinical social worker, created treatment plans for patients that falsely and fraudulently indicated that they would receive mental health treatment on certain days, and then submitted false and fraudulent claims for purported services provided on those dates, even if no services were provided. Barrilleaux also allegedly misappropriated the medical credentials of a local gastroenterologist to bill for additional medical services which were not provided. In order to conceal the fraud, Barrilleaux fabricated patient notes and submitted the falsified notes to auditors in order to make it falsely appear as if he had provided services to patients. He then allegedly used the proceeds of the fraud for his personal benefit, including gambling, fine art, and real estate. It is alleged that, in total, Barrilleaux, through his companies, submitted approximately $6 million in false and fraudulent claims for which approximately $4.5 million was paid. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters of the Gulf Coast Strike Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

, 30, , 32, and , 27, all of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, were charged by indictment with conspiracy to acquire and obtain possession of controlled substances by fraud and to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and aggravated identity theft; Hills and Stampley were further charged with acquiring and obtaining possession of controlled substances by fraud; and Stampley was charged with one count of burglary of a pharmacy, all in connection with a scheme to forge prescriptions for controlled substances and cause the submission of false and fraudulent claims to Medicaid for the forged prescriptions. As alleged in the indictment, beginning in or around April 2021, and continuing through in or around February 2023, Hills, Stampley, Guess, and their co-conspirators fraudulently obtained controlled substances from pharmacies in the Baton Rouge area and elsewhere using at least 97 fraudulent prescriptions bearing the DEA registration numbers and other identifying information of at least 12 physicians and other medical professionals without authority. The indictment further alleges that, in April 2022, Stampley burglarized a pharmacy in Louisiana. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Gary A. Crosby II and Samantha E. Usher of the Gulf Coast Strike Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen L. Craig of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana. , 61, of Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and health care fraud for his role in a durable medical equipment (“DME”) scheme. As alleged in the indictment, Riggins was the owner of Bluewater Healthcare (“Bluewater”), a DME supply company in West Monroe, Louisiana. It is alleged that from 2018 to 2023, Riggins paid for doctors’ orders for pneumatic compression devices (“PCDs”), a type of DME, and tricked doctors into signing DME orders and certificates of medical necessity in order to bill for the expensive and medically unnecessary DME. In total, Riggins submitted over $3.8 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare for supplying PCDs and was reimbursed over $1.8 million. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Samantha Usher and Kelly Z. Walters of the Gulf Coast Strike Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Flanagan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana. , 63, and , 28, of Wayne County, Michigan, were charged by indictment with conspiracy to pay illegal kickbacks, Ibrahim Sammour was additionally charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and health care fraud, and Bashier Sammour was additionally charged with making false statements relating to health care matters, all in connection with an alleged scheme to fraudulently obtain over $2 million from Medicare. According to charging documents, the Sammours operated Individualized Home Health Care, P.C., through which they submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for home health care services that were medically unnecessary, not provided as represented, or not rendered. Five others were also charged by information—two registered nurses, two group home owners, and a licensed practical nurse—for their involvement in the charged conspiracies. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Shankar Ramamurthy and Jeff Crapko of the Midwest Strike Force. , 60, of Wayne County, Michigan, was charged by information with health care fraud in connection with an alleged scheme to fraudulently obtain over $3.4 million in Medicare funds. According to the information, Hardy, who owned and operated Pebble Brook Care Agency LLC, caused the submission of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for psychotherapy services that were not provided as represented or not rendered at all. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Shankar Ramamurthy of the Midwest Strike Force. , 53, of Oakland County, Michigan, was charged by indictment with a conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay illegal health care kickbacks, as well as with paying illegal health care kickbacks, in connection with an alleged scheme to fraudulently obtain over $2.2 million in Medicare funds. According to the indictment, Scott, who owned and operated Delta Home Health Care LLC, caused the submission of claims to Medicare for home health care services obtained through the payment of illegal kickbacks to patient recruiters in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Shankar Ramamurthy and Kelly Warner of the Midwest Strike Force. , 52, of Hyderabad, India, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit heath care fraud and health care fraud, in connection with an alleged scheme to fraudulently obtain over $82 million in Medicare funds. As alleged in the indictment, Rahulan caused the submission of false and fraudulent claims for durable medical equipment and genetic testing that were medically unnecessary or otherwise ineligible for reimbursement through Medicare because they were not the product of a doctor-patient relationship and examination. The indictment further alleges that the defendant’s fraudulent conduct resulted in over $28.7 million being paid by Medicare. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Kelly Warner and Andres Almendarez of the Midwest Strike Force. , 40, of Michigan, was charged by criminal complaint with a scheme to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and illegally purchase Medicare beneficiary information, in connection with Sharafeldin’s operation of Prestige Specialty Pharmacy (“Prestige”) in Sterling Heights, Michigan. As alleged in the complaint, Sharafeldin, through Prestige, agreed to pay kickbacks and bribes to illegally acquire Medicare beneficiary information, which he and others then used in February and March 2023 to bill Medicare more than $1 million for over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits, regardless of whether the Medicare beneficiary requested the test kits. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Lievense of the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of Michigan. , 70, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, was charged by information with making a false statement in connection with a health care benefit program, in connection with a scheme to defraud Medicare. As alleged, Kordish used a telehealth application to improperly approve orders for medical braces and genetic testing. For each order, Kordish signed and certified that the order was medically indicated and necessary for a particular Medicare beneficiary. In reality, Kordish clicked to approve orders without conducting any meaningful review, often in a matter of seconds. Medicare paid over $794,000 based on the false and fraudulent claims. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Castle of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan. , 59, of Madison, Mississippi, was charged by information with conspiracy to defraud the United States in connection with a scheme to pay a marketer kickbacks for completed doctors’ orders so that he could cause his durable medical equipment (“DME”) company, Jackson Medical Supply, to bill Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans for orthotic braces that were medically unnecessary and/or ineligible for reimbursement. When Medicare initiated an investigation of Jackson Medical Supply, the defendant opened another entity in the name of a nominee owner and again paid a marketer kickbacks in exchange for doctors’ orders so that the new entity could continue to bill Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans for orthotic braces. Overall, the defendant caused these entities to bill Medicare and Medicare Advantage approximately $12,441,625.30 and the entities were reimbursed approximately $6,448,092.61 for DME that was medically unnecessary and/or ineligible for reimbursement. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Sara Porter of the Gulf Coast Strike Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Purdie of the Southern District of Mississippi. , 64, of Whitefish, Montana, was charged by information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with a telemedicine scheme. As alleged in the information, Dean was paid by a telemedicine company to sign orders for durable medical equipment that patients did not need. Dean then fraudulently charged Medicare and other government health programs for telemedicine office visits that did not occur. The telemedicine company also used Dean’s information to prescribe unneeded and unnecessary COVID-19 tests to patients. In total, Dean’s orders resulted in false billing to government health care programs of over $39.6 million. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Kakuk of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana. , 42, of New York, New York, was charged by indictment in connection with an alleged $60 million conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks. Abrazi was the owner of Enigma Management Corp and Up Services, Inc., two related diagnostic laboratories which did business as Alliance Laboratories. According to the indictment, Abrazi and others engaged in a scheme to pay and receive kickbacks and bribes in exchange for laboratory tests, including genetic tests, that Enigma and Up billed to Medicare. Abrazi and others also allegedly paid and received kickbacks and bribes in exchange for arranging for the ordering of medically unnecessary genetic tests that were ineligible for Medicare reimbursement. Enigma and Up allegedly received over $5 million from Medicare for laboratory testing that was procured by kickbacks and bribes, not medically necessary, and not eligible for reimbursement. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Hyungjoo Han of the Northeast Strike Force. , 68, of Queens, New York, was charged by information with conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks. As alleged in the information, Agustin, a medical doctor, participated in a scheme to receive kickbacks and bribes in exchange for ordering laboratory tests, including expensive cancer genetic tests, that were billed to Medicare. The information alleges that Agustin disguised the kickbacks and bribes by, among other ways, receiving the payments in cash. As part of the kickback scheme, Agustin and his co-conspirators caused in excess of approximately $7.1 million in false and fraudulent claims for laboratory testing to be submitted to Medicare, on which Medicare paid $461,719. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Hyungjoo Han of the Northeast Strike Force. , 62, of Cape May Court House, New Jersey, was charged by information with conspiracy to unlawfully distribute a controlled substance. Butterworth was a licensed advanced practice nurse in New Jersey. According to court documents, Butterworth issued prescriptions for controlled substances, including oxycodone, to her pain management patients in exchange for them agreeing to return a portion of the pills to her after the prescriptions were filled. The information alleges that Butterworth maintained her co-conspirators on higher dosages of oxycodone while she continued to receive a portion of their pills. From approximately 2016 through November 2023, Butterworth allegedly issued her co-conspirators prescriptions that resulted in at least 5,340 pills being dispensed to her co-conspirators. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Nicholas K. Peone and Paul J. Koob of the Northeast Strike Force. , 49, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged by information with conspiracy to unlawfully distribute a controlled substance. As alleged, Procopio diverted prescription medications from doctors’ offices in South Philadelphia and South Jersey for sale on the streets. From approximately January 2022 through February 2024, Procopio distributed 496 pills to a confidential human source. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Paul J. Koob and Nicholas K. Peone of the Northeast Strike Force. , 47, of Camden, New Jersey, was charged by information with conspiracy to unlawfully distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Nicholas K. Peone of the Northeast Strike Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. , a/k/a “Regina Choi,” a/k/a “Regina Beatrice,” 39, of Woodside, New York, was charged by information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud the Amtrak health care plan. As alleged in the information, Choi, a medical biller, submitted false and fraudulent claims to the Amtrak health care plan for services that were not provided, resulting in loss to the Amtrak health care plan of at least approximately $959,902.79. Choi paid cash bribes and kickbacks to co-conspirator Amtrak employees, in return for the employees’ agreement to allow their insurance to be used for false billing. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine M. Romano and Jessica R. Ecker of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. , 59, of Hamden, Connecticut, , 52, of Willingboro, New Jersey, , 50, of Brooklyn, New York, , 52, of Irvington, New Jersey, , 64, of Rockaway Park, New York, , 36, of Levittown, Pennsylvania, 34, of Roosevelt, New York, , 41, of Clayton, Delaware, , 34, of Hazlet, New Jersey, and , 41, of Irvington, New Jersey, were charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud the Amtrak health care plan, which resulted in a loss of approximately $11,054,831 to Amtrak. The defendants were Amtrak employees and participants in the Amtrak health care plan who allowed their personal and insurance information, and in some cases that of their dependents, to be used for false and medically unnecessary billing in return for cash kickbacks and bribes paid by co-conspirator health care providers. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine M. Romano and Jessica R. Ecker of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. , 54, of Naples, Florida, was charged by information with conspiring to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute by paying kickbacks for durable medical equipment (“DME”) orders. As alleged in the information, Nocella, who owned and operated a marketing company that marketed DME, offered and paid physicians at a pain management practice kickbacks in exchange for DME orders. Nocella supplied the physicians with a variety of expensive items, including cash, full-season access to a suite for professional football games, expensive lunches and dinners at networking events and practice group meetings, and other expensive gifts, and subsequently billed Medicare and other health care benefit programs for the orders. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney DeNae Thomas of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. , 57, of Powder Springs, Georgia, was charged by information with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute in connection with her role in a $14.9 million health care fraud and kickback scheme related to durable medical equipment (“DME”) and cancer genetic testing (“CGx”). As alleged in the information, Cameron and her co-conspirators owned, operated, and had a financial interest in DME companies and obtained doctors’ orders for orthotic braces for Medicare beneficiaries without regard to medical necessity. Cameron and her co-conspirators also owned, operated, and had a financial interest in a CGx company through which she agreed to provide a clinical laboratory with leads for beneficiaries who were qualified to receive federal health care benefits for CGx tests. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Specht of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. , 42, of Oakland Gardens, New York, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay illegal health care kickbacks, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering in connection with an alleged $23.8 million scheme involving multiple New York pharmacies. As alleged in the indictment, Jiang and his co-conspirators paid kickbacks in the form of supermarket gift certificates and cash to Medicare beneficiaries and Medicaid recipients who filled medically unnecessary prescriptions at Elmcare Pharmacy Inc. and NY Elm Pharmacy Inc. The indictment further alleges that Jiang and others wrote checks to various “trading companies” to obtain cash that was distributed as profits among the pharmacies’ owners and used to pay illegal kickbacks and bribes. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Patrick J. Campbell of the Northeast Strike Force. , 45, of Queens, New York, was charged by information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with a scheme to bill no-fault automobile insurance companies for diagnostic testing that she had not actually performed. According to the information, Ballener, a licensed physical therapist and clinic owner, conspired to submit claims to insurance companies using her billing credentials in exchange for kickbacks paid to Ballener’s company. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Miriam L. Glaser Dauermann of the National Rapid Response Strike Force and Patrick J. Campbell of the Northeast Strike Force. , 76, of Brooklyn, New York, and , 58, of Cape Coral, Florida, were charged by indictment in connection with an alleged $7.1 million health care fraud and narcotics distribution scheme. Brown-Arkah and Jean were charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, conspiracy to distribute narcotics and narcotics distribution, and Jean was also charged with false statements. As alleged in the indictment, Brown-Arkah, the owner of American Medical Utilization Management Corporation, a medical clinic in Brooklyn, New York, along with Jean, a Nurse Practitioner, and others engaged in an alleged scheme to bill Medicare and Medicaid fraudulently for services not provided, not provided as billed, or provided by a provider who had been excluded from Medicare and Medicaid, and to prescribe narcotics pursuant to prescriptions that were not issued for a legitimate medical purpose by a provider acting in the usual course of professional practice. Additionally, as alleged in the indictment, Jean made multiple false statements to law enforcement regarding his prescriptions of buprenorphine. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Miriam L. Glaser Dauermann of the National Rapid Response Strike Force and Margaret Mortimer of the Northeast Strike Force. , 44, of Queens, New York, was charged by information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and paying illegal kickbacks. According to the information, Acevedo, a licensed pharmacist, paid thousands of dollars in bribes to physicians in cash and entertainment in order to induce the physicians to refer patients to his Queens pharmacy. Acevedo also billed Medicare and Medicaid for drugs that he did not actually dispense. The pharmacy billed Medicare and Medicaid, and was paid, approximately $600,000 for the patients referred as a result of the bribes. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Miriam L. Glaser Dauermann of the National Rapid Response Strike Force and Arun Bodapati of the Northeast Strike Force. , 46, of Forest Hills, New York, pleaded guilty to health care fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud Medicare by billing for undispensed cancer medication. Muratov, who operated Ave M Pharmacy in Brooklyn, New York, handled the pharmacy’s finances and payments and, together with others, caused the submission of approximately 253 claims to Medicare for Targretin Gel 1% (“Targretin”). Targretin is approved for topical treatment of lesions in patients with a certain cancer and cost over $34,000 per tube. From 2017 to 2021, the defendant and his co-conspirators billed Medicare for Targretin that was medically unnecessary, not ordered by a professional, or that they did not dispense; as a result, Medicare paid Ave M Pharmacy more than $4 million. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Vagelatos of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. 51, of Sanford, North Carolina, was charged by indictment with health care fraud, making and using false health care documents, wire fraud, conspiracy, illegal financial transactions, aggravated identity theft, and false statements to influence a bank on a loan, in connection with an alleged scheme to fraudulently bill and document more than $5.2 million in Medicaid funds. According to the indictment, Holland-Kornegay, a licensed clinical mental health counselor, and owner of Our Treatment Center and Partners Against Sexually Transmitted Diseases, two companies operating in Raleigh, North Carolina, caused fraudulent claims for psychotherapy services to be billed to Medicaid. The indictment further alleges that Kornegay conspired with others to fabricate clinical notes for previously billed psychotherapy services. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tasha C. Gardner of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. , 39, and , 39, both of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, were charged by indictment with health care fraud and conspiracy to pay kickbacks in connection with the delivery of durable medical equipment (“DME”). According to the indictment, York, a licensed chiropractor, and Carter, his business partner, operated Discover DME, a DME supplier. Through Discover DME, York and Carter are alleged to have purchased doctors’ orders, paid kickbacks to obtain referrals through telemarketing companies, and then submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare based on those doctors’ orders and referrals. In total, the defendants caused Discover DME to submit to a federal health care program false and fraudulent claims for DME totaling over $4.8 million. Discover DME was paid over $1.1 million as a result of the false and fraudulent claims. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Snyder and D.H. Dilbeck of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma. , 66, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was charged by indictment with obstruction of a federal audit, federal program theft, and making false statements to the Small Business Administration. As alleged in the indictment Orange operated a daycare provider in Oklahoma City that primarily served low-income children. Orange applied on behalf of her business for federal funds from programs administered by the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services, as well as the Small Business Administration, and received approximately $494,000, but she subsequently misspent the money on impermissible personal expenses. The indictment further alleges that Orange obstructed a federal audit of her use of certain of the funds. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney D.H. Dilbeck of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma. , 32, and , 33, both of Providence, Rhode Island, were charged by separate complaints with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, and filing false claims, in connection with a health care fraud billing scheme involving in over $2 million in fraudulent claims to federal health care benefit plans. As alleged in the complaint, Nowak and Simmons operated Alternative Integrative Medicine, LLC, doing business as AIM Health, at multiple locations in Rhode Island. The defendants were co-owners of AIM Health, with Nowak as President and Chief Executive Officer and Simmons as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Compliance Officer. According to the complaints, Nowak and Simmons conspired to defraud Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and numerous private insurers through fraudulent billing practices, which included billing for services not rendered, billing for non-covered services, and billing for high complexity office visits without providing that level of service. The false and fraudulent claims resulted in over $1.8 million in reimbursements. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John P. McAdams and Rachna Vyas of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island. , 40, and , 37, both of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and , doing business as Patriot Homecare (“CAMM Care”), were charged by indictment in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Worker’s Compensation Program, Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation, otherwise known as DOL-DEEOIC. DOL-DEEOIC administers the health care benefit program designed to compensate current or former Department of Energy employees, vendors, contractors, and subcontractors diagnosed with occupational illnesses causally linked to toxic exposures during their employment. Among other health care benefits, this program provides home health benefits to qualifying beneficiaries, including skilled nursing care and non-skilled care. As alleged in the indictment, Caleb Mullins, the owner and President of CAMM Care, and Megan Mullins, the Executive Vice President of CAMM Care, conspired with each other and others not named in the indictment to create and submit fraudulent payment claims for homecare services that were not actually rendered. , 35, of Wartburg, Tennessee, , 46, of Louisville, Tennessee, and , 62, of Oliver Springs, Tennessee, were also charged in separate indictments with defrauding the DOL-DEEOIC. As alleged in the respective indictments, Seiber, Hard, and Hamby each had their own DOL-DEEOIC provider number and each billed the DOL-DEEOIC for skilled nursing services that were not actually rendered. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys William A. Roach, Jr., and Jeremy S. Dykes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee. , 44, of Franklin, Tennessee, and 43, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, were charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks, and paying and receiving health care kickbacks, in connection with their role in selling doctors’ orders for medically unnecessary genetic tests, medications, and durable medical equipment (“DME”) to laboratories, pharmacies, and DME companies. The defendants also owned and operated their own DME companies in Franklin and Brentwood, Tennessee, and bought doctors’ orders for orthotic braces and submitted claims for medically unnecessary items to Medicare. The defendants obtained the orders by paying kickbacks and bribes to purported telemedicine companies and marketers in exchange for doctors signing orders for DME. The indictment alleges that the defendants and their co-conspirators received over $1 million in kickbacks for selling doctors’ orders to laboratories, pharmacies, and DME companies; that they submitted and caused to be submitted, through their DME companies, over $6 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for DME; and that their DME companies were paid over $2 million on those claims. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah K. Bogni and Robert S. Levine in the Middle District of Tennessee. , 36, of Palm City, Florida, and 35, of Lighthouse Point, Florida were each charged by separate information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and to pay and receive health care kickbacks in connection with an over $9 million scheme involving multiple pharmacies, including in Mt. Juliet and Goodlettsville, Tennessee. As alleged in the informations, the defendants obtained patient information through the use of call centers where telemarketers persuaded Medicare beneficiaries to accept prescriptions for expensive medications, which the beneficiaries neither needed nor wanted. The defendants obtained signed prescriptions by paying kickbacks to marketers and telemedicine companies and then billed Medicare Part D plan sponsors for prescriptions that were procured through the payment of kickbacks and that were medically unnecessary. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Levine and Sarah K. Bogni in the Middle District of Tennessee. , 50, of Crowley, Texas, was charged by information with health care fraud in connection with a scheme to fraudulently bill Medicare over $2.8 million. As alleged in the information, Lutka, the owner of Choice Medical Services, a mobile laboratory enrolled as a Medicare provider, fraudulently billed Medicare for COVID-19 sample collection and testing that Choice Medical Services did not perform, and submitted substantially inflated claims to Medicare for mileage reimbursement to pick up specimens from homebound patients. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean J. Taylor of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas. , 37, of McKinney, Texas, was charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks, five counts of paying health care kickbacks, and three counts of money laundering, in connection with a $335 million scheme to bill Medicare for medically unnecessary cardio genetic testing. Gray was an owner of two clinical laboratories, Axis Professional Labs, LLC (“Axis”), and Kingdom Health Laboratory, LLC (“Kingdom”). According to the indictment, Gray offered and paid kickbacks to marketers in exchange for their referral to Axis and Kingdom of Medicare beneficiaries’ DNA samples, personally identifiable information (including Medicare numbers), and signed doctors’ orders authorizing medically unnecessary cardio genetic testing. As part of the scheme, the marketers engaged other companies to solicit Medicare beneficiaries through telemarketing and to engage in “doctor chase,” i.e., to obtain the identity of beneficiaries’ primary care physicians and pressure them to approve genetic testing orders for patients who purportedly had already been “qualified” for the testing. Medicare paid Axis and Kingdom approximately $54 million as a result of the kickback-tainted claims, some of which Gray laundered by purchasing expensive luxury vehicles. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Gary Winters of the National Rapid Response Strike Force and Assistant Chief Brynn Schiess of the Texas Strike Force. , 56, of Delray Beach, Florida, and , 49, of Boca Raton, Florida, were charged by indictment. Knowles was charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive kickbacks, and Swart was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive kickbacks and receipt of health care kickbacks, all in connection with a $359 million scheme to bill Medicare for medically unnecessary genetic tests that were induced by kickbacks. As alleged in the indictment, Knowles was the owner of two Houston-area labs, Bio Choice and Bios Scientific. Knowles entered an agreement with Swart for the referral of Medicare beneficiary DNA samples and signed doctors’ orders for genetic testing that Knowles used to bill Medicare through his labs. Knowles concealed his kickback arrangement with Swart through sham flat fee contracts. Knowles knew that Swart and the marketers she worked with used call centers and telemedicine doctors to obtain DNA samples and signed doctors’ orders and that the providers Swart and the marketers she worked with used to obtain these orders were neither the beneficiaries’ treating physicians nor using the genetic testing to treat the beneficiaries. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Andrew Tamayo and Monica Cooper of the Texas Strike Force. , 64, of Houston, Texas, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive kickbacks, and receipt of kickbacks, in connection with a $1.7 million health care fraud and kickback scheme. As alleged in the indictment, Pickrom, who controlled a purported nonprofit corporation, referred forged prescriptions in the names of Department of Labor – Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs claimants to Custom Care Pharmacy in exchange for illegal kickbacks and bribes. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Ethan Womble of the Texas Strike Force. , 65, and , 53, both of Houston, Texas, were charged by information with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive kickbacks, in connection with a $1.7 million health care fraud and kickback scheme. As alleged in the information, Burbridge, who owned Criterion Therapy Center, a physical therapy company that serviced Department of Labor – Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs claimants, referred prescriptions to Landry, a pharmacist and owner of Custom Care Pharmacy, in exchange for illegal kickbacks and bribes. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Ethan Womble and Devon Helfmeyer of the Texas Strike Force. , 61, of Katy, Texas, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, health care fraud, and conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks, in connection with an alleged scheme to fraudulently obtain over $1.5 million in Medicare and Medicaid funds. As charged in the indictment, Ehieze, the owner of Sanctified Home Health Services, Inc., billed Medicare and Medicaid for home health services that were not provided and/or medically unnecessary and based on illegal kickback payments to marketers and patients, and was paid over $1 million on those false and fraudulent claims. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Olson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas. , 50, of Clearwater, Florida, was charged by indictment with money laundering and unlawfully operating a money transmitting business in connection with a pharmacy at the center of a health care fraud scheme. Meier owned Kim Long Pharmacy, a Houston pharmacy that billed private insurance companies for medicines Kim Long Pharmacy never provided to alleged patients. During the course of the conspiracy, Kim Long Pharmacy received approximately $4.3 million of fraudulent funds from the insurance companies. At the direction of others, Meier then transferred approximately $3.6 million of the fraudulent proceeds to overseas accounts in Hong Kong and Singapore. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Grace Murphy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas. , 43, of Richmond, Texas, was charged by indictment with health care fraud and fraud in connection with a major disaster in connection with an alleged scheme to fraudulently obtain over $26 million in private insurance and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (“EIDL”) funds. According to the indictment, Ogbebor created a “phantom” business under the name “Stafford Renal,” through which he billed private insurance for dialysis treatments purportedly administered to patients of his previous employer. In reality, the treatments were not administered to the patients. Ogbebor caused private insurance to be billed approximately $26 million and to pay over $5.1 million to Stafford Renal for services that were not rendered. Ogbebor also obtained an EIDL loan in the name of Stafford Renal in the amount of $150,000, which was based on a false and fraudulent application. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Grace Murphy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas. , 59, of Vienna, Virginia, was charged by criminal complaint with healthcare fraud in connection with a $27.1 million scheme to defraud health insurance companies. As alleged in the complaint, Prayaga, a psychiatrist with offices in northern Virginia and the District of Columbia, used billing codes associated with longer, moderately complex patient visits to bill for negligible telemedicine patient encounters, some of which lasted less than a minute. This overbilling resulted in Prayaga billing insurance companies for “impossible days” – i.e., billing more than 24 hours in a day. Prayaga also pushed medically unnecessary transcranial magnetic stimulation treatments on patients, which he or his untrained staff members administered. Prayaga also pushed ketamine treatment, which his staff administered to patients mixed with soda. Prayaga was paid over $14.8 million based on the false and fraudulent claims. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine E. Rumbaugh and Zachary H. Ray of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. , 63, of Coeburn, Virginia, and , 54, of Lacassas, Tennessee, were charged by indictment with health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud Medicaid. As alleged in the indictment, the defendants worked for Company One, a company that provided mental and behavioral health services to Medicaid recipients. As alleged in the indictment, the defendants and others caused Company One to bill Virginia Medicaid for behavioral therapy services purportedly provided and supervised by Individual One, a licensed behavior analyst, as though Individual One had provided the services or had clinically directed the care provided by others. In reality, Individual One did not provide services to clients and she did not clinically supervise any other providers. In total, Company One submitted approximately 3,429 false and fraudulent claims to Virginia Medicaid under the name of Individual One. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Janine Myatt of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia and the Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 60, of Chapmanville, West Virginia, was charged by indictment with three counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance in connection with prescribing clonazepam outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. As alleged in the indictment, McDevitt, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, issued clonazepam prescriptions on three separate dates that were outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Owen Reynolds and Francesca Rollo of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. , 54, of Belfry, Kentucky, was charged by indictment with obtaining controlled substances by fraud, tampering with consumer products, and wrongfully obtaining individually identifiable health information under false pretenses and with intent to use for personal gain in connection with the theft of, and tampering with, vials of hydromorphone at a hospital in Raleigh County, West Virginia. As alleged in the indictment, Brewster, a travel nurse, used her credentials to access hydromorphone for her own personal use. Brewster tampered with the hydromorphone vials by diluting the remaining liquid in the bottles to make it appear as though they were full. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Owen Reynolds of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. , 47, of Wales, Wisconsin, was charged by indictment with healthcare fraud and wire fraud in connection with a scheme in which her company billed for the staffing of adult family homes that was not provided. The indictment alleges that her company received approximately $1.4 million to which it was not entitled and that Butts then converted a substantial portion of this money to her personal use. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carter Stewart and Zachary Corey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. , 52, of San Tan Valley, Arizona, was charged by three separate criminal indictments with engaging in a patient brokering scheme. As alleged in the indictments, Anagho conspired with other individuals while engaging in the patient brokering scheme to pay and/or receive consideration for patient referrals. It is further alleged in the indictments that Anagho agreed to pay and paid one thousand dollars or more for referred patients who were members and/or beneficiaries of health plans administered by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, specifically targeting members/beneficiaries of the American Indian Health Plan. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Vineet Mehta Shaw of the Arizona Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 64, of Scottsdale, Arizona, was charged by criminal information with two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. As alleged in the indictment Sommers, a Nurse Practitioner, engaged in improper and unsafe prescribing practices, did not keep proper patient records and charged patients for their prescriptions based on the strength of the drugs. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Vineet Mehta Shaw of the Arizona Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

, 34, of Yuba City, California, was charged by complaint with insurance fraud and an enhancement for aggravated white collar crime in connection with billing for behavioral analysis services not rendered to five minor children. This fraudulent scheme caused a loss of approximately $166,755.50 over a ten-month span. As alleged in the complaint, Jagpal, the owner of One World Therapy, claimed that behavioral analysis services were provided to minor children that never occurred. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Ed Grubaugh of the California Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

, 68, of California, was charged by complaint with grand theft and presenting false Medicaid of California (“Medi-Cal”) claims in connection with In-Home Supportive Services (“IHSS”) fraudulent billings. As alleged in the complaint, Depiazza submitted a total of 31-time sheets to IHSS for services he claimed he rendered to an IHSS recipient while she was an inpatient and after her death. As a result of the scheme, IHSS paid Depiazza an approximate total of $51,423.71. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Sue Hong of the California Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse. , 65, of San Dimas, California, was charged by complaint with single counts of Medicaid of California (“Medi-Cal”) fraud, insurance fraud, and grand theft, in connection with a scheme to defraud the In-Home Supportive Services (“IHSS”) and Medi-Cal programs by submitting claims for healthcare services that either were never performed or did not qualify for reimbursement under program rules. As alleged in the complaint, between January 15, 2018 and September 20, 2022, Garbarino fraudulently billed the programs a total of $172,568.52 for in-home supportive services provided on days when the recipient of the services was hospitalized or living in a skilled nursing facility. Under the rules of the IHSS program, such services qualify for reimbursement under the Medi-Cal program only if the recipient is living in his own home when the services are provided. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Richard Moskowitz of the California Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 50, of San Diego, California, was charged by complaint with making a false or fraudulent claim for payment of a health care benefit in connection with a scheme to fraudulently bill Medicaid of California Federally Qualified Health Center program for over $65,000 for services that he did not render. As alleged in the complaint, Sabbagh was a dentist contracted with Borrego Community Health Foundation to provide dental services to underserved populations and communities. Sabbagh filed fraudulent claims stating he provided services to his patients over multiple days, when in fact, the repeat visits did not occur. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Bianca Yip of the California Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 59, of Norwalk, California, was charged by complaint with grand theft and presenting false Medicaid of California (“Medi-Cal”) claims. The investigation revealed that Maria Menchaca submitted false and fraudulent claims for In-Home Supportive Services even though the services were not rendered because the recipient was being cared for in various inpatient facilities. The fraud scheme resulted in a $25,060.81 loss to the Medi-Cal program. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Steven Smith of the California Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 34, of Logansport, Indiana, a Registered Nurse, was charged by information with failure to make, keep, or furnish records, obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, and furnishing false or fraudulent information. As alleged in the information, Sturdivant, while working at a nursing home, signed out narcotics for patient use but did not administer the medication to the patients on numerous occasions. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Robin Hodapp-Gillman of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 70, of Cape Coral, Florida, a Registered Nurse, was charged by information with failure to make, keep, or furnish records, obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, and furnishing false or fraudulent information. It is alleged that Colonna, while working at a hospital, diverted medication from patients and did not properly dispose of waste, taking controlled substances for his own use. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Robin Hodapp-Gillman of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 36, of Rockport, Indiana, was charged by information with failure to make, keep or furnish records, and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or deceit and theft. Mullins is alleged to have stolen medication prescribed to a patient in an Evansville nursing home. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Georgeanna Teipen of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 43, of Anderson, Indiana, a Registered Nurse, was charged by information with failure to make, keep or furnish records, obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or deceit, and possession of a narcotic drug. Duvall is alleged to have stolen narcotic pain medication prescribed for two residents of an assisted living facility in Evansville. One of the residents had already been discharged from the facility and reported the medication that she had brought to the facility when she was admitted could not be found when she was discharged. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Georgeanna Teipen of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 25, of Evansville, Indiana, a Qualified Medication Aide, was charged with failure to make, keep or furnish records, obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or deceit, and possession of a narcotic drug. As alleged in the information, Samples took narcotic pain medication prescribed to a patient in an assisted living facility in Evansville. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Georgeanna Teipen of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. 47, of Jeffersonville, Indiana, was charged by information with fraud, theft, and exploitation of an endangered adult. As alleged in the information, Board, while working as a Certified Nursing Aide, stole the credit card of a nursing home resident, which he used at a sports bar and to purchase various personal items on Amazon worth almost $4,000, including: motorcycle parts; a punk rock studded leather jacket; glitter high-top flashing sneakers; a hip-hop rhinestone necklace and other items of jewelry, and video games. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Maureen O’Donnell of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. 29, of Elkhart, Indiana, a Certified Nurse Anesthetist, was charged by information with nine counts of theft. It is alleged that Bautista, while working at a nursing home, obtained nine residents’ bank or credit cards and made unauthorized purchases and cash advances including payments to her Cash App account and other transactions. Bautista allegedly linked the residents’ cards to her Cash App account and made multiple transactions. The case is being prosecuted by the Elkhart County Prosecutors Office. , 29, of LaPorte, Indiana, a Certified Nurse Anesthetist, was charged by information with fraud. It is alleged that Throw executed a scheme to defraud the Medicaid Program and Helping Hands by submitting false claims of providing homebound personal and companion services to a patient. It is further alleged that during the course of the investigation Throw admitting to being paid by Helping Hands for services which did not provide. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Georgeanna Teipen of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. 60, of Indiana, a Licensed Practical Nurse, was charged by information with failure to make, keep, or furnish records and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. It is alleged that Plaza, while working at a nursing home, diverted hydromorphone from nursing homes inventory. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Robin Hodapp-Gillman of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 39, of Evansville, Indiana, was charged by information with diversion of controlled substances from Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Warrick County, Indiana. As alleged in the information, Hallam was reported by co-workers after becoming outwardly impaired during her shift as a Registered Nurse at the hospital. It is further alleged that during the subsequent investigation, Hallam admitted stealing morphine, dilaudid and lorazepam from the hospital and falsifying her documentation for several years. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Maureen O’Donnell of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 59, of North Vernon, Indiana, was charged by information with criminal recklessness. As alleged in the information, Pribble, while working as a Registered Nurse in a nursing home, flushed a patient’s catheter with vinegar, causing chemical burns to the victim’s bladder. Pribble obtained the vinegar from the facility’s kitchen after she was unable to locate the appropriate medical-grade solution ordered by the patient’s physician. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Maureen O’Donnell of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 56, of Valparaiso, Indiana, a Registered Nurse, was charged by information with neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury. As alleged in the information, while working as the Health Facility Administrator of a nursing home in East Chicago, Indiana, Shelby was accompanying a patient resident of that nursing home who had limited and restricted capacity to another facility for a tour when a life-threatening incident occurred. Ultimately, the patient resident died. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Georgeanna Teipen of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 45, of Muncie, Indiana, a Registered Nurse, was charged by information with failure to make, keep, or furnish a record, obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, furnishing false or fraudulent information, and possession of a narcotic drug. It is alleged that Briles, while working at a nursing home, ordered controlled substances for patients, acquired hydrocodone from pharmacies, and did not deliver them to the facility for a period of a year. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Robin Hodapp-Gillman of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 65, of Crown Point, Indiana, a Registered Nurse, was charged by information with failure to make, keep, or furnish a record, furnishing false or fraudulent information, and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and furnishing false or fraudulent information. It is alleged that Luna, while working at a nursing home, on numerous occasions signed out narcotics for patient use but did not administer the medication to the patients. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Robin Hodapp-Gillman of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 23, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was charged by information with Medicaid fraud. While employed as a DSW, Robinson submitted fraudulent time sheets indicating that she was providing personal care services that she could not have rendered because she was physically present at another job. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Lauren Harrell of the Louisiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. ., of Rensselaer, New York, 47, of Glen Head, NY (the owner of Medi Cab Corp), and , 55, of Mechanicville, NY (a high managerial agent of Medi Cab Corp), were charged by indictment with money laundering, and Medi Cab Corp., Gouzos, and Sehl (the “Medi Cab defendants”) were additionally charged with grand larceny, health care fraud, medical assistance provider prohibited practices – kickbacks, falsifying business records, and offering a false instrument for filing. As alleged in the indictment, the Medi Cab defendants allegedly paid Medicaid recipients kickbacks and falsely reported to Medicaid pick up and drop off addresses to substantially inflate the amount of money that Medicaid paid Medi Cab. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorneys General Patrick Scully and Kathleen Boland of the New York Medicaid Fraud Control Unit under the supervision of Special Assistant Attorney General Thomas O’Hanlon, Chief of Criminal Investigations. , 55, of Interlaken, New York, was charged by complaint with grand larceny, health care fraud, and medical assistance provider prohibited practices, in connection with a scheme to defraud Medicaid. As alleged in the complaint, between January 2019 through August 2023, David Moore, as the owner of ASAP 2, a transportation provider in Tompkins County, New York, submitted and caused to be submitted claims for payment to Medicaid that were the product of unlawful kickback payments to multiple Medicaid recipients, often transmitted by “Venmo” and “Cash App” services, and which were also falsely inflated by substantially increasing the claimed mileage for trips that were taken. Medicaid paid ASAP 2 in excess of $1 million based on the false and fraudulent claims. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General William Gargan of the New York State Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 37, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was charged by information with Medicaid fraud and identity theft in connection with the submission of false claims to the Oklahoma Medicaid Program for services not rendered. As alleged in the information, Branston, a licensed professional counselor, submitted fraudulent claims for psychotherapy services that were never provided. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Candace Arnold of the Oklahoma Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 44, and , 64, both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were charged by criminal complaint with Medicaid fraud, theft by deception, and conspiracy in connection with a personal care attendant (PCA) fraud scheme. As alleged in the criminal complaint, Jacqueline was hired to provide PCA services for her mother Crystal. Jacqueline and Crystal submitted timekeeping records for at least 1,416.75 hours of PCA services that could not have been provided while Jacqueline was working on location at other jobs, one of which was in Idaho. The fraudulent submissions caused Medicaid to pay approximately $29,312 for services that were not rendered. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Susann Shore of the Pennsylvania Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 41, and , 40, both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, are charged with Medicaid fraud, theft by deception, tampering with public records or information, criminal use of a communication facility, and conspiracy in connection with a PCA fraud scheme. As alleged in the criminal complaints, Farris was employed to provide PCA services for Banks through Silver Heart Healthcare Agency, and each also had other simultaneous employment. Farris and Banks submitted timekeeping records for at least 1,713.00 hours of services Farris could not have provided while Farris and/or Banks were working on location at other jobs. These submissions caused Medicaid to pay out at least $34,847.46 for non-rendered services. Additionally, among Farris’s other employers were First Choice and Golden Age agencies, for which Farris was hired to provide PCA services to other consumers. With respect to this employment, Farris submitted timekeeping records for at least 437.50 hours of services she could not have provided because she was working at another job. These submissions caused Medicaid to pay out at least another $9,585.69 for non-rendered services. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Jason Karasik of the Pennsylvania Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 57 of Canovanas, Puerto Rico was charged by complaint with submitting false and fraudulent claims for services not rendered to the Medicaid Program, illegal appropriation of public funds and illegal appropriation of identity, between November 2022 and May 2023. These actions caused a loss to the Puerto Rico Medicaid Program greater than $10,700.00. As alleged in the complaint, while Espinet served as a dentist, he submitted false claims to the health plan for services he never provided to his patients. Also, Espinet overcharged Medicaid beneficiaries for anesthesia when the service was covered under the health plan contract. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Brenda Rosado Aponte of the Puerto Rico Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 81, of Dorado, Puerto Rico, and were charged by complaint with submitting false and fraudulent claims for services not rendered to the Medicaid program, illegal appropriation of public funds and illegal appropriation of identity, between August 2018 and December 2022. As alleged in the complaint, Martorell was the owner and administrator of Laboratorio Clínico de San Juan, Inc. a clinical laboratory located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Over a four-year period, Martorell and Laboratorio Clínico San Juan, Inc. submitted false and fraudulent claims to services never provided, and that Medicaid beneficiaries never requested or needed. To support these fraudulent claims, Martorell used stolen means of identification of beneficiaries. These actions caused a loss to the Puerto Rico Medicaid Program greater than $50,000. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Brenda Rosado Aponte. , 54, of Barrington, Rhode Island, was charged by information with one count of medical assistance fraud in connection with over approximately $70,000 he fraudulently obtained from the Rhode Island Medicaid Program for purported chiropractic services between 2019 and 2023. As alleged in the information, Breiding was employed as the owner and sole chiropractic practitioner for Breiding Chiropractic Clinic, located in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, where he allegedly billed Medicaid for services that were not medically necessary, were not provided as billed, or were never provided, including repeatedly billing for over 24 hours of chiropractic services in a single day, among other fraudulent billing practices. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorney General Steven J. De Luca of the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General. , 26, of Bronx, New York, was charged by information with medical assistance fraud for allegedly submitting false timekeeping records for services not rendered, causing a loss to the Rhode Island Medicaid Program of $34,277.20. As alleged in the information, Almanzar Pagan was employed as a Personal Care Aide and allegedly submitted 30 false timesheets spanning over 60 weeks, which totaled approximately 2,400 fraudulent hours for services that were not rendered and during which time Almanzar Pagan was residing in another state. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorney General Kate Constance Brody of the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General. , 48, of Pierre, South Dakota, was charged by indictment with Medicaid fraud, perjury to obtain state benefits, and failure to keep necessary records upon which a claim is based, in connection with a $1.2 million dollar scheme to defraud the Medicaid program. As alleged in the indictment, Monson, a nurse and owner of At Home Nursing, fraudulently billed the Medicaid program for services that were not actually rendered. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Mandy Miiller of the South Dakota Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. , 36, of Elk Point, South Dakota, was charged by indictment with possession of a controlled substance by theft, misrepresentation, or fraud in connection with a Xanax prescription, perjury, social services fraud, and failure to keep necessary records. As alleged in the indictment, Loepp, a certified nurse practitioner, prescribed Xanax to a patient but stole half of the pills from the bottle before giving them to the patient. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Mandy Miiller of the South Dakota Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

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Improving Efficiency and Understanding of Criminal Investigations
Various legal, ethical, and practical issues have also contributed to the technicalization and greater systematization of crime scene analysis, intelligence, and everything related to evidence and information gathering. As a result, investigative work is becoming increasingly specialized (e.g., Maguire 2003; Police Executive Research Forum 2018).
Criminal Investigation: An Introduction to Principles and Practice
The working definition of a criminal investigation is constructed from those provided by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2006), Orthmann and Hess (2012) and Stelfox (2009).A criminal ...
Introduction to Criminal Investigation: Processes, Practices and
About the Book. Introduction to Criminal Investigation, Processes, Practices, and Thinking is a teaching text designed to assist the student in developing their own structured mental map of processes, practices, and thinking to conduct criminal investigations. Delineating criminal investigation into operational descriptors of tactical-response ...
Criminal Investigative Analysis: Skills, Expertise, and Training ...
Open-ended questions related to specific courses important to an overall training program yielded the following topics: forensics, forensic pathology, psychology and human behavior, crime scene analysis, specific types of crime investigation and crime typologies, scientific methods and research, risk assessment, threat assessment, statement analysis, knowledge of evidence and legal issues, and ...
Effective police investigative practices: an evidence-assessment of the
To explore what is known about effective investigative practices and to identify evidence gaps, the authors assess the current state of empirical research on investigations.,The authors assess the empirical research about the effectiveness of criminal investigations and detective work in resolving cases and improving clearance rates.,The ...
PDF Improving Efficiency and Understanding of Criminal Investigations
These 11 articles can be regrouped under three main topics related to police investigations: (1) the understanding of the pro-cesses involved in an investigation, the challenges related to it, and ways to improve investigative decision-making; (2) investigative techniques and the pivotal role of the spa-tiotemporal patterns of ofenses for ...
Dissecting a Criminal Investigation
What research that has explored this function has been primarily interested in organizational and technical aspects of detective work. Here, I take a different approach by dissecting criminal investigations to expose their underlying structure—what they involve, how they fail, and ways they might be improved.
Effective police investigative practices: an evidence ...
Design/methodology/approach The authors assess the empirical research about the effectiveness of criminal investigations and detective work in resolving cases and improving clearance rates.
Principles of Criminal Investigations
Fundamental Principles of Criminal Investigations. Criminal investigations are an intricate dance between the pursuit of truth, the preservation of justice, and the strict adherence to principles that safeguard the integrity of the process. Principle 1: Lawful and Ethical Conduct is the foundational cornerstone, demanding investigators operate ...
National Survey of Police Policies and Practices Regarding the Criminal
The criminal investigation process is a fundamental and crucial aspect of police work, yet researchers have not studied the subject since the Rand Report over three decades ago. ... While this research has helped provide a clearer picture of the criminal investigation process, more research in this area is encouraged. Tables, footnotes ...
Law Enforcement Investigations
Law enforcement investigations close cases and can prevent new crimes from occurring. Training in research-based investigative procedures and access to tools and resources can help law enforcement officers carry out successful investigations. NIJ research enhances the forensic aspects of investigations and supports the creation and maintenance of investigative resources, such as manuals ...
Sensemaking in detective work: The social nature of crime investigation
Investigations are at the heart of police work. Research on criminal investigations, particularly homicide investigations, is extensive (Newburn et al., 2007), but research is still needed in this domain (Innes and Brookman, 2013).
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Introduction. Investigation and evidence gathering constitute the cornerstone of the criminal justice process. In the realm of criminal justice, investigation refers to the systematic and methodical inquiry into a crime to uncover facts and evidence that will identify the perpetrator and support legal proceedings (Siegel & Worrall, 2020).
Assessing the efficacy of investigative interviewing training courses
Recently, L Griffiths and Milne (2018) developed the Framework for Investigative Transformation (FIT) to address the question of how to transfer effectively the research-based knowledge on criminal investigations to practitioners and make it work in the field. There are eight factors of FIT that can be implemented to enhance the capacity of law ...
Using Research for Investigative Decision-Making
Behavioral and Investigative Research. Behavioral research focuses on understanding, predicting, and evaluating how people interact with each other and their environment. It is a general category of research that spans the social and cognitive sciences. Investigative research is the application of behavioral research to law enforcement investigations. It focuses on interactions associated with ...
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Improving Criminal Investigations with Structured Analytic ...
These methods can be adapted for use in criminal investigations to help reduce bias, improve accuracy, and avoid both wrongful convictions (over 2200 to date) and reparations (more than $2.2 billion) while optimizing resources. ... Police work and investigations have been largely procedural and intuitive. ... Vision Research, 37(15), 2133 ...
PDF Influence of Criminal Justice Research
Like patrol, criminal investigation consumes a large proportion of police resources, including personnel. A number of NIJ-supported projects have studied the process of criminal investigation, with the aim of making it more effective. These studies found that "detective work" alone rarely leads to an arrest.
Criminal investigation
Criminal investigation is an ancient science that may have roots as far back as c. 1700 BCE in the writings of the Code of Hammurabi. In the code, it is suggested that both the accuser and the accused had the right to present evidence they collected. [2] In the modern era, criminals investigations are most often done by government police forces.
(PDF) Criminal Investigation and Criminal Intelligence: Example of
the upstream work of the criminal investigations to prevent crime by other means. This development is part of a continuum between defense, internal security , and economic security.
criminal investigation
criminal investigation, ensemble of methods by which crimes are studied and criminals apprehended.The criminal investigator seeks to ascertain the methods, motives, and identities of criminals and the identity of victims and may also search for and interrogate witnesses.. Identification of a criminal who has left no fingerprints or other conclusive evidence can often be advanced by analysis of ...
How To Become A Criminal Investigator: Steps, Certifications ...
Have at least five years of work experience as an investigator. Alternatively, you can substitute 60 semester hours for one year of work experience. Submit a 1,000-word research paper on any ...
Current State of Interview and Interrogation
A volume of research has demonstrated that when a person generates a specific hypothesis early in an investigation (e.g. this person is guilty), their attention becomes focused on information that confirms their hypothesis (e.g. evidence that suggests the person is guilty), while information that contradicts their hypothesis (e.g. exculpatory ...
Criminal Division
2024 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action Summary of Criminal Charges Cases Filed in Federal Court Southern District of Alabama. Brian Cotugno, of Auburn, Georgia, and James Matthew Thorton "Bo" Potter, of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, were charged by information and indictment, respectively, with purchasing and selling Medicare beneficiary identification numbers ("BINs") in ...

Introduction to Criminal Investigation: Processes, Practices and Thinking

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Law Enforcement Investigations

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Introduction

The Process of Criminal Investigation

Stages of a Criminal Investigation

Roles and Responsibilities of Investigators

Techniques Used in Criminal Investigations

Evidence Gathering and Its Significance

Types of Evidence

The Role of Forensic Science in Evidence Gathering

Challenges in Evidence Collection and Preservation

Technological Advancements in Investigation

Impact of Technology on Modern Investigations

Case Studies Demonstrating the Use of Technology in Solving Crimes

Legal and Ethical Considerations in Investigation

Laws and Regulations Governing Criminal Investigations

Ethical Considerations and the Importance of Maintaining Integrity During Investigations

Challenges in Criminal Investigations

Common Challenges Faced by Investigators

Impact of Social, Cultural, and Economic Factors on Investigations

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Improving Criminal Investigations with Structured Analytic Techniques

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