FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:    Thursday, July 13, 2017 
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605) 773-3215   

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that the Attorney General’s Medicaid Control Fraud Unit (SD MFCU) participated with various law enforcement authorities in a nationwide coordinated health care fraud sweep.

“This coordinated action demonstrates the effectiveness of our relationships with federal, state, and local law enforcement,” Jackley said. "By working together, we protect taxpayer resources and better ensure Medicaid dollars help those in need of assistance."

The sweep resulted in criminal and civil charges against 412 individuals, including 115 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud schemes involving approximately $1.3 billion in false billings. 

SD MFCU worked with other law enforcement agencies on two cases involving alleged drug diversion by medication aides in Yankton County and in Turner County. The two cases are listed below:

• Cristy Luv Brandt, 37, Avon, one count of ingesting a substance other than alcohol to become intoxicated, class 1 misdemeanor
• Sean Michael Hinds, 26, Hill City, one count of possession of a controlled substance, hydrocodone, class 5 felony, punishable by up to 5 years and/or $10,000 fine
Since January 1, 2014, SD MFCU has assisted in the recovery of over $3 million for taxpayers.

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