Charlotte Licensed Clinical Social Worker Found Guilty of Committing Fraud and Money Laundering

Ashley Nicole Cross, a Charlotte behavioral health services provider, was convicted by a federal jury after a nine-day trial for defrauding SC Medicaid, falsely obtaining COVID-19 relief funds, and money laundering, as announced by court authorities. Cross, 41, of Charlotte, was found guilty on several charges including healthcare fraud, promotional money laundering, wire fraud, and conspiracy. Court officials stated that Cross operated Odyssey Health Group, a Charlotte-based company enrolled with SC Medicaid to provide services to eligible Medicaid beneficiaries. Beneficiaries were allowed to use providers within 25 miles of the South Carolina border, including Charlotte, under SC Medicaid rules. From 2016 to 2021, Cross’s company submitted fraudulent reimbursement claims for rehabilitative behavioral health services that were never provided, amounting to $1.3 million. To perpetrate the scheme, Cross used the personal identifying information of qualified SC Medicaid beneficiaries to file reimbursement claims. Additionally, from April 2020 to May 2022, Cross obtained fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans on behalf of OHG and Gucci International Inc., a purported event-planning business owned by Cross’s boyfriend. Cross submitted loan applications and supporting documents with false information about OHG’s and Gucci’s payroll expenses, number of employees, and other misrepresentations. She received over $287,000 in COVID-19 relief funds for her companies and Gucci. At the time of Gucci’s loan application, Cross’s boyfriend was under indictment for a federal offense. According to trial evidence presented by 25 witnesses and over 600 documents, Cross was found guilty of healthcare fraud, promotional money laundering, wire fraud, and conspiracy charges. Cross’s fraudulent actions included submitting reimbursement claims to SC Medicaid for services that were never provided by her company. Using the personal information of Medicaid beneficiaries, she filed claims totaling $1.3 million. In addition, she obtained fraudulent PPP loans for her companies OHG and Gucci by submitting false information about their payroll expenses and number of employees. In light of her convictions, a federal district court judge will determine Cross’s sentence. Cross’s fraudulent activities not only affected SC Medicaid but also involved obtaining COVID-19 relief funds through false means. The successful prosecution of Cross serves as a warning to others who engage in fraudulent activities involving healthcare services and government relief programs. The case illustrates the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring that public funds are not misused for personal gain. As this is a developing story, updates will be provided as new information becomes available. The conviction of Ashley Nicole Cross, a Charlotte behavioral health services provider, on charges of defrauding SC Medicaid, falsely obtaining COVID-19 relief funds, and money laundering, highlights the consequences of engaging in fraudulent activities. Cross’s scheme involved submitting false reimbursement claims to SC Medicaid for services that were never provided by her company, Odyssey Health Group. She used the personal information of qualified Medicaid beneficiaries to file these claims, amounting to $1,3 million in fraudulent reimbursements. Additionally, Cross obtained fraudulent PPP loans for her companies, OHG and Gucci International Inc., through false representations about their expenses and number of employees. The successful prosecution of Cross serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in healthcare services and government assistance programs. By holding individuals accountable for fraudulent activities, authorities can help ensure that public funds are used appropriately and that those in need receive the support they require. As the legal process continues, a federal district court judge will determine Cross’s sentence, emphasizing the severity of the charges against her. Updates on this developing story will be provided as new information becomes available, underscoring the impact of fraudulent schemes on individuals and communities. https://therealcrimediary.com/charlotte-licensed-clinical-social-worker-found-guilty-of-committing-fraud-and-money-laundering/?feed_id=53775&_unique_id=665a02622a25b