12/11/2019
State Auditor Nicole Galloway's Public Corruption and Fraud Division (PCFD) recently referred allegations related to potential Medicaid fraud in Lafayette County to the Missouri Attorney General's Office. The referral is the result of complaints from whistleblowers and an investigation by the State Auditor's Office.
In August and October, the State Auditor's Office received complaints through the Whistleblower Hotline detailing concerns related to the Lafayette County Children's Services Fund. The fund is fully financed by the taxpayers of Lafayette County and exists to assist local agencies that provide social services for qualifying children in the county.
One of the complaints requiring immediate attention relates to payments to Theresa Dotson Alexander and her company, The Center for Counseling and Training. Those allegations claim Alexander billed both the Lafayette County Children's Services Fund and Missouri's Medicaid program for the same services. An investigation by the State Auditor's Office included review of hundreds of pages of documentation and found these allegations to be credible.
"I launched the Public Corruption and Fraud Division in my office to root out fraud and abuse, and I applaud the efforts of the whistleblowers who reported these questionable activities," said Auditor Galloway. "Whenever we find credible allegations, we take them seriously and partner with law enforcement when necessary. That's why today I am encouraging the Attorney General to review these findings for possible criminal charges."
The matter is being referred to the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General's Office. Information has also been provided to the Missouri Medicaid Audit and Compliance Unit of the Department of Social Services.