United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO HEALTH CARE FRAUD

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ROBIN LeDUC, 47, formerly of Norwalk, waived her right to indictment and pleaded guilty on Friday, August 29, before United States District Janet C. Hall in Bridgeport to one count of health care fraud.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, LeDUC formerly was employed at the Connecticut Chiropractic Neurology Center (“CCNC”), a chiropractic practice located at 870 Post Road in Darien, Connecticut.  Part of her duties in this position included submitting claims to various insurance companies for services rendered to patients of CCNC.  As an employee of CCNC, LeDUC and her husband were covered by a health insurance plan issued by Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield.  While employed at CCNC, LeDUC also received chiropractic and other services at CCNC.  Because CCNC was not a participating provider under LeDUC’s health insurance plan, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield paid the claim amounts directly to LeDUC, who was responsible for paying CCNC.  In pleading guilty, LeDUC admitted that, from March 2004 through March 2006, she submitted fraudulent claims to Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield for treatments she and her husband did not receive, and received payments from Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield for the phony treatments.  As a result of her scheme, LeDUC received $41,579 in payments from Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield to which she was not entitled.

Judge Hall has scheduled LeDUC’s sentencing for November 17, 2008, at which time she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

This investigation was conducted by special agents from Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Health Care Fraud Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Sheldon and auditor Susan Spiegel.

Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance company provided critical assistance to the investigation.

U.S. Attorney Dannehy encouraged individuals who suspect health care fraud to report it by calling the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 785-9270 or 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov