Six Arrested for Health Care Fraud in Maine

Six residents of Maine have been arrested following an indictment by a federal grand jury on charges of health care fraud conspiracy. The arrests, announced by the U. S.

Attorney's Office, involve individuals connected to Community Home Health Care LLC, a licensed personal care agency based in South Portland. The company itself is also facing charges.

The defendants include Noora Abd, who owned and operated Community Home Health Care LLC, and employees Faysal Kalayaf Manahe, Adel Al Rashid, Sura Almohammed, Ether Alyaseen, and Mohammed Alkhalaf. According to the indictment, these individuals allegedly submitted false Electronic Visit Verifications for personal care services that were not performed, resulting in fraudulent claims to MaineCare.

Allegations of Fraud

The indictment alleges that since 2020, Community Home Health Care LLC and Noora Abd submitted claims to MaineCare totaling more than $600,000 for services purportedly provided to a single client, identified only as Client 1. The fraudulent activities are said to have netted the defendants hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In addition to the conspiracy charges, Noora Abd and Faysal Kalayaf Manahe face charges of obstructing a health care fraud investigation, while Mohammed Alkhalaf is charged with making false statements.

Official Statements

U. S. Attorney Andrew B.

Benson emphasized the impact of health care fraud on federally funded programs, stating that such actions undermine the integrity of these systems. "Health care fraud – in all its forms – costs all of us," he said, highlighting the importance of protecting resources meant for those in need.

Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, noted the significant financial impact of the alleged fraud, stating that it diverted critical resources from the healthcare system. Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.

S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of safeguarding taxpayer-funded programs.

Next Steps

The defendants face significant legal consequences if convicted. The charges carry a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the total loss incurred. The investigation was part of a coordinated effort involving multiple federal and state agencies, including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.

The arrests serve as a warning to those who might consider exploiting healthcare systems for personal gain. As the case proceeds, the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.