Attorney General Ashley Moody's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has announced the arrest of Cheri Lynn Meyer, a power of attorney, for financially exploiting an elderly resident in Okaloosa, Florida. Meyer is accused of taking over $43,600 from the victim's bank account, despite being responsible for managing the resident's finances for healthcare purposes.
In a statement, Attorney General Moody expressed gratitude for the investigators who brought this case to light, stating, "This individual, who was supposed to look after a senior as a power of attorney, depleted tens of thousands of dollars from an elderly resident's bank account. I'm thankful that our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigators were alerted to this situation and put a stop to it."
According to the investigation, Meyer, who was in a position of trust with a 79-year-old victim suffering from aging infirmities, systematically withdrew funds from the victim's account through ATM transactions and checks between October 2021 to September 2022. It was discovered that the funds deposited into Meyer's account did not benefit the victim while residing at a care facility.
During her tenure as the victim's power of attorney, Meyer made only one payment of $500 towards the victim's medical services, while failing to provide proper financial support. When pressed to make payments and manage the victim's finances, Meyer proved to be uncooperative and provided various reasons for not fulfilling her responsibilities.
Meyer now faces one count of exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult less than $50,000, a second-degree felony. The case will be prosecuted by Attorney General Moody's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit through an agreement with the State Attorney's Office for the First Judicial Circuit.
The Florida Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is responsible for investigating and prosecuting providers who engage in fraudulent billing practices, thereby defrauding the state's Medicaid program. Additionally, the unit investigates allegations of patient abuse, neglect, and exploitation in facilities receiving Medicaid payments.
The Florida MFCU is funded through a grant of $29,707,695 for Federal Fiscal Year 2024, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General. The funds, with a federal share of 75% amounting to $22,280,772, are used to support the unit's operations in combating Medicaid fraud. The remaining 25% of the funds, totaling $7,426,923, is provided by the state of Florida.
This arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting our elderly and vulnerable population from financial exploitation. The Attorney General's office remains committed to holding accountable those who take advantage of their positions of trust and exploit the most vulnerable members of our society.
Click this link to access more information: https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/attorney-general-moody-announces-power-attorney-arrested-exploitation-elderly-woman