Columbus, OH -The U.S. Department of Justice, working with state and federal partners, announced new charges June 4 against nine defendants accused of participating in more than $42 million in fraud schemes.
Officials said the cases reflect expanding cooperation between Ohio agencies and federal investigators as they target large‑scale fraud involving government programs and consumers.
A significant portion of the alleged activity involves more than $30 million in fraudulent Medicaid claims tied to behavioral health services for children and young adults. Prosecutors said the defendants billed for therapy sessions that were medically unnecessary or never provided, often through programs marketed as summer camps, church groups or recreational activities.
Investigators also seized bank accounts and several luxury vehicles, including a McLaren, Bentley, Maserati and multiple Mercedes‑Benz models, which they allege were purchased with proceeds from the scheme.
Authorities also highlighted a separate $15 million romance scam that targeted more than 130 Americans using AI‑generated personas to solicit money. Three suspects were detained this week, and two others are awaiting extradition.
Authorities said the charges are part of a broader push to strengthen data‑sharing and enforcement partnerships, including a new FBI “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list aimed at tracking high‑impact offenders.
The June 4 announcement marks one of the largest coordinated fraud crackdowns involving Ohio in recent years, officials said.