A federal fraud case tied to a Houston social media figure has ended with prison sentences for several members of the same family after prosecutors said they helped run a massive Medicaid scam.
Brandon Sims and several relatives were sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty in connection with a multimillion-dollar Medicaid fraud scheme, according to an IRS statement. Prosecutors said the operation generated more than $12 million through fraudulent billing tied to addiction treatment services.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, four defendants received a combined sentence of more than 14 years in federal prison. Authorities said the group operated Life Touch LLC, a treatment provider based in Kinston and Goldsboro, and a related laboratory company.
Investigators said the business lured Medicaid patients dealing with substance use disorders by offering gift cards and other incentives. Prosecutors said patients were then directed into unnecessary treatment programs and drug screenings while the companies billed Medicaid for services that were not legitimately provided.
Officials also said the scheme included falsified records designed to mislead auditors reviewing the company’s billing activity.
“This is shocking Minnesota-Somali-style fraud right here in North Carolina. For too long, government has allowed grifters to steal taxpayer dollars with impunity. Here, these vultures exploited particularly susceptible drug abusers trying to recover their lives and dignity. Shameful abuse, no remorse. They better learn, and everyone should get the message. Cheaters. Never. Win,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
Keke Komeko Johnson and Francine Sims Super were each sentenced to six years in prison for managing the kickback payments and record manipulation. Kimberly Mable Sims received two years, while Brandon was sentenced to 30 months after authorities said he failed to file federal tax returns while receiving millions tied to the operation.
Federal agents seized $1.3 million in cash along with luxury vehicles that included a Rolls-Royce Cullinan and a Chevrolet Corvette. A judge also ordered Life Touch LLC permanently shut down and imposed a $15 million fine along with the forfeiture of more than $6 million in assets.
