A federal jury handed down a verdict on Monday, convicting the corporate parents of two Pennsylvania nursing homes for scheming to defraud state and federal healthcare programs. The allegations included inflating staffing levels and manipulating patient needs. In a surprising turn, Comprehensive Healthcare Management Services LLC CEO Sam Halper and four employees were declared not guilty, leaving the courtroom in shock.
Pennsylvania Nursing Homes Convicted For Fraud : Not Guilty for CEO and Employees
The jury’s decision absolved CEO Sam Halper and employees Susan Gilbert, Johnna Haller, Eva Hamilton, and Michelle Romeo of all 14 charges in the government’s indictment. The charges included conspiracy and falsifying records used to report conditions and needs to state and federal regulators. As the judge read the final “not guilty,” emotions ran high, with the defendants’ attorneys and supporters visibly relieved.
Guilty Corporations: Brighton and Mt. Lebanon Centers
However, the corporations operating Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center and Mt. Lebanon Rehabilitation and Wellness Center were found guilty on 10 charges related to defrauding the government and falsifying records. The verdict highlighted a complex case where the jury seemingly found it easier to convict corporations than individuals.
Pennsylvania Nursing Homes Convicted For Fraud : Legal Insight and Reaction
“Good cases are obvious from the start; this was never a good case,” remarked attorney Paul Pelletier, representing Eva Hamilton. The defense suggested that jurors might have found it simpler to convict a corporation rather than individuals. Sentencing for the corporations is tentatively scheduled for mid-May, as U.S. District Judge Robert J. Colville presides over the case.
Prosecution’s Claims and Defense’s Counterarguments
Prosecutors alleged that Halper and others collaborated to falsify records, portraying that the nursing homes met regulators’ minimum staffing levels. The manipulation involved logging employees as caring for patients when they were absent, engaged in non-patient administrative work, or had punched in and left. Additionally, accusations included altering patient surveys to indicate more severe conditions than originally documented.