CoEric Riley, 38, and Britney Gooch, 37, both residents of Mesa, Arizona, have pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud. The charges stem from their involvement in defrauding the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), which is Arizona’s Medicaid agency.
Riley entered his plea on Tuesday while Gooch had already pleaded guilty on November 21, 2024. Their sentencing is set for February 21, 2025, and will take place before United States District Judge Krissa M. Lanham.
The pair admitted to using their business, New Horizons Behavioral Health—a behavioral health clinic located in Mesa—to exploit AHCCCS’s American Indian Health Program (AIHP). They falsely billed the program for services not rendered to AIHP patients. Through these fraudulent activities, Riley and Gooch acquired approximately $3.3 million from AHCCCS.
Healthcare fraud convictions can result in a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000 or both.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Phoenix Division led the investigation into this case. Prosecution is being managed by the United States Attorney’s Office in the District of Arizona, Phoenix.