A 53-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud while employed as a bookkeeper for a nursing home in Hydro, Oklahoma, announced US Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On May 14, 2025, the defendant was charged by information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to court documents, from August 2022 through November 2023, the defendant used her position to issue 223 unauthorized checks from the company’s bank account, totaling $377,443.45. The checks were made payable to the defendant and three co-conspirators, using the owner’s signature without the knowledge or consent of the owner or her supervisor.
On May 19, 2025, the defendant pleaded guilty, admitting she knowingly used her access to misappropriate funds from the nursing home.
At sentencing, the defendant faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case was investigated by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant US Attorney Jackson D. Eldridge is prosecuting.
Compliance Perspective
Issue
Failure to implement generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and establish internal controls may constitute a breach of a facility’s fiduciary responsibility. This oversight can jeopardize the financial security of both residents and the facility, potentially resulting in violations of state and federal regulations. Nursing facilities should have systems in place ensure that monetary transactions and supply purchases are properly verified and approved by a second party to prevent misappropriation of funds, which can lead to fines, sanctions, and imprisonment.
Discussion Points
- Review policies and procedures to ensure that no single employee is responsible for both initiating and approving financial transactions. Implement a dual-approval process for invoices, checks, and purchases to strengthen oversight and reduce the risk of financial misconduct.
- Provide ongoing training for staff in accounting, billing, and administrative roles to recognize and appropriately report unusual or suspicious financial activity. Include guidance on reporting procedures, such as notifying a supervisor or calling the hotline.
- Conduct regular audits of facility financial records, including resident trust accounts, vendor invoices, bank statements, and credit card activity. Promptly investigate and resolve any discrepancies or signs of misuse to ensure compliance and protect facility resources.
*This news alert has been prepared by Med-Net Concepts, Inc. for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.*