The Shocking Case of Medicaid and COVID-19 Fraud in Charlotte
In Charlotte, North Carolina, the story of Ashley Nicole Cross has taken a dramatic turn, as this local healthcare provider faces an enormous 11-plus years behind bars due to an astonishing array of fraud charges. It’s a tale filled with deceit, manipulation, and elaborate schemes that defrauded Medicare and COVID-19 relief programs.
The Crimes Unfold
According to court records, Cross, who owned and operated a company named Odyssey Health Group, orchestrated a complex web of fraud between 2016 and 2021. Operating in the realm of behavioral health, her company was enrolled in the South Carolina Medicaid program, allowing beneficiaries in Charlotte to receive vital mental health services. Unfortunately, Cross took advantage of this system, submitting fraudulent reimbursement claims totaling an eye-popping $1.2 million.
The Scheme Behind the Scenes
To pull off her fraud, Cross and her employees allegedly created fake clinical service notes for treatments that never occurred. In a shocking twist, FBI agents even had to interview 21 different Medicaid beneficiaries, discovering their names and information were used without their consent to file these bogus claims. Just imagine the frustration and confusion for people unknowingly caught in this scandal!
After being informed of impending audits in September 2019, things took a darker turn. To escape the long arm of the law, Cross resorted to submitting fake medical records and deliberately providing misleading information. Investigators uncovered that the fraud within Odyssey was so extensive, they struggled to separate genuine claims from the fraudulent ones!
The COVID-19 Relief Funds
As if the Medicaid fraud wasn’t enough, between April 2020 and May 2022, Cross ramped up her unethical activities by exploiting the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), established to help businesses during the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using her companies, Odyssey Health Group and a fictitious event planning business named Gucci International Inc., Cross submitted loan applications that were laden with false information about payroll expenses and employee numbers.
In total, she pocketed over $287,000 in COVID-19 relief funds! Adding a scandalous twist, court documents revealed that her boyfriend was already under indictment for a federal offense at the time of these fraudulent applications. Not one to be deterred, Cross even attempted to meddle in legal proceedings, contacting potential witnesses and encouraging them to provide false testimonies regarding her services.
The Consequences
Ultimately, the judicial system caught up with Cross. Following her conviction in May for a series of charges—including healthcare fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering—she has been sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison. And she won’t just be sitting idly during her incarceration; she’s also facing three years of supervised release after her time behind bars and a hefty restitution payment of over $480,000.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical practices in healthcare and business. Cross’s saga may conclude with her sentencing, but it raises important questions about oversight and accountability within the world of Medicaid and COVID-19 relief programs.
A Community Responds
Residents of Charlotte are undoubtedly shocked by this unfolding drama. This incident not only tarnishes the reputation of those involved but also affects the many legitimate healthcare providers committed to serving the community. Odyssey Health Group was supposed to be a beacon of hope for those seeking mental health support—now, it stands as a striking example of how greed can corrupt even the most essential services.
As the community comes to terms with this shocking betrayal, it’s essential for everyone to stay vigilant and advocate for accountability in healthcare practices. After all, with so many depending on these services, we all deserve better.
