First conviction of healthcare provider for felony-level mistreatment
SEATTLE — A former adult family home operator pleaded guilty today to charges he criminally mistreated a man in his care.
The Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit charged Alfredo Tia with second-degree criminal mistreatment in King County Superior Court. Tia was arrested at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport April 22 as he returned from the Philippines.
This case represents the first time the Attorney General’s Office has convicted a healthcare provider of felony-level criminal mistreatment.
“Elder abuse has no place in Washington. If you mistreat Medicaid patients, my office will hold you accountable,” Attorney General Bob Ferguson said. “I’m glad we could deliver a measure of justice for the victim in this case.”
The office will ask for the top end of the sentencing range for a first-time offender, which is three months in jail.
The victim, a 69-year-old man, was a resident of Joportia Adult Family Home from July 11, 2014, until he was admitted to Multi Care Hospital Auburn earlier this year with six severe pressure ulcers, at least one of which went to the bone. He remained hospitalized for months.
A social worker at the hospital reported suspected abuse. The case was investigated by the AGO Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, as the victim’s care was paid for by Medicaid programs.
Tia, who was the owner and residential care provider at Joportia AFH, left the country as the Department of Social and Health Services was closing the home in January.
Sentencing has been scheduled for Friday, June 19 at 2:45 p.m. in King County Superior Court before Judge Andrea Darvas.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Yarden Weidenfeld.
Fighting Medicaid fraud in Washington
The Attorney General's MFCU is responsible for investigating and prosecuting fraud committed by healthcare providers against the state’s Medicaid program.
In addition, through a statewide law enforcement network, the unit coordinates investigation and prosecution of abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults in Medicaid-funded residential facilities.
- Report suspected Medicaid fraud: 1-800-562-6906 or send an email to HotTips@hca.wa.gov.
- You can also report provider fraud via the Attorney General’s Office website.
The Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Office of Fraud & Accountability investigates client fraud. You can report Medicaid Client Fraud via the Department’s Online Complaint Form, call the Welfare Fraud Hotline at 1-800-562-6906 or send the complaint to Welfare Fraud Hotline, P.O. Box 45817, Olympia, Washington 98504-5817.
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The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal office for the state of Washington with attorneys and staff in 27 divisions across the state providing legal services to roughly 200 state agencies, boards and commissions. Attorney General Bob Ferguson is working hard to protect consumers and seniors against fraud, keep our communities safe, protect our environment and stand up for our veterans. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.
Contact:
Peter Lavallee, Communications Director, (360) 586-0725; PeterL@atg.wa.gov