 |
| Robert Moyer. Facebook. |
An X-ray technician from Fort Thomas has admitted in federal court to defrauding state and federal health care programs out of thousands of dollars.
On Friday, Robert Moyer pleaded guilty to health care fraud, before U.S. District Judge Amul Thapar.
According to court records, starting in June 2010 and continuing until December 2010, Moyer knowingly allowed an unlicensed individual to administer x-rays to Medicare and Medicaid patients from Kentucky and Ohio. He then falsified documentation to conceal who performed the x-ray service. Under federal law, health care benefit programs only reimburse medical professionals for services conducted by a licensed professional.
In total, Moyer filed more than 3,800 fraudulent claims worth $112,173.93.
Kerry B. Harvey, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jack Conway, Kentucky Attorney General; Sylvia Mathews Burwell, , Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; and Mike DeWine, Ohio Attorney General, jointly made the announcement.
The investigation was conducted by the Office of the Kentucky Attorney General, Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control Unit; Department of Health Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
Moyer will appear for sentencing on July 16, 2015 at 10:00 AM. He faces a max of 10 years. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable statutes before imposing a sentence.
Moyer took to Facebook to update his situation:
“I went to federal court this morning and plead guilty to defrauding the government. I employed my brother in my mobile x-ray business to take x-rays. He was not certified to take x-rays. Several states do not require certification but I was aware that it a requirement here in Kentucky. I broke the law in doing so and it falls under the category of fraud. Nobody was ever harmed as all of the x-rays were read accurately by board certified radiologists. We are not guilty of billing for any services that were not provided as most fraud cases are defined. I am sorry that I made these decisions and that I broke the law. I apologize to everyone who looked at me as an example. I am sorry to have let anybody down. I have cooperated completely and I will serve and repay what is necessary to satisfy our legal system. I had to surrender my passport and I forfeit my right to vote as well as possess firearms for the rest of my life unless I should ever receive a presidential pardon.
This has affected our lives greatly. My actions have caused my family undue embarrassment and financial struggles. My business is closed and I will no longer be able to work in my trained occupation as a Radiology Technologist. I still think that God has plans for me and (redacted) to serve as a missionaries. Without this happening, we may never have given up the physical comforts we have acquired in order to follow through with our desire to serve Him elsewhere. He has been so evident in so many ways throughout this experience. I just can not write off everything to co-incidence. I am journaling because this experience has been so incredible. Peaks and valleys. But God has been here continuously. He has still used us on several occasions during this process. Thank you God for still having a plan for me and still using me even amid these challenging days.
I was released without having to post a bond until sentencing on Thursday July 16th at 10:00am. I was encouraged when I discovered that the Probate Officer that was assigned to me goes to our church. However, now he may have to be removed from my assignment.
As anyone who knows me is aware, I have an incredible family and extended family in all of our friends. Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement. While this has been a challenging period in our lives, we keep seeing God’s hand in so many ways throughout. I am constantly reminded just how many people love us.
Finally, as many already know, my attorney has encouraged me to ask friends, family and others who know me to write a letter to the Judge in my case. I will post the necessary information next week. This can be helpful as well as filling the courtroom with supporters to impact the Judge when he decides my sentencing. I face up to 10 years in federal prison but my plea agreement is for 18-24 months and $112,500 in restitution. The prosecutor is going to allow for us to argue for a downward variance and the judge can decide to go as low as serving probation. I have been assigned a tough Judge but I know God is still in charge and will use this for His glory. I trust Him fully. I’ll go where he wants me.
Thank you for your prayers.”
