NM: Las Cruces behavioral health counselor accused of Medicaid fraud, identity theft

Algernon D’Ammassa reports: A licensed professional clinical counselor based in Las Cruces was indicted Friday on multiple counts of Medicaid fraud, identity theft and other charges. The grand jury indictment, filed in New Mexico’s Third District Court, accuses Cathy Chidester of Drop In Counseling of submitting fraudulent Medicaid claims, including one count of Medicaid fraud over $20,000; three counts of fraud over $20,000 and another over $500; obstruction of investigation; and six counts of identity theft. Read more on Las Cruces Sun News. According to the state’s press release, the illegal billing program spanned from September 1, 2017, to October 28, 2019. Chidester faces 15 felony charges, including multiple counts of fraud over $20,000.00, obstruction of investigation, Medicaid fraud and theft of identity. A copy of the indictment was made available online by the state attorney general’s office.DataBreaches.netRead More