Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a prison sentence and restitution order for LaTeena Smith, who defrauded Illinois' Medicaid program. A DuPage County judge sentenced Smith to three years in prison and mandated her to pay over $2.2 million in restitution, with $1.5 million paid after sentencing.
Smith, former owner of Power Positive Youth Development clinic in Bolingbrook, pleaded guilty to Managed Health Care Fraud in December 2024. She submitted fraudulent psychotherapy service bills from June 2021 to February 2023, billing Molina Healthcare over $978,000 and Meridian Health more than $1.5 million.
Raoul emphasized the importance of protecting Medicaid funds: “Thousands of Illinois residents rely on Medicaid to pay for their health care, and this sentence should send a clear message that anyone who defrauds Illinois’ Medicaid program will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
The investigation involved Raoul’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services – Office of the Inspector General (HFS-OIG), and Illinois State Police (ISP).
Elizabeth Whitehorn from the Illinois Department of Healthcare noted the significance of collaboration: “This sentence is thanks to the effective, collaborative efforts with our law enforcement partners to safeguard public healthcare funds.”
Brian Dunn from HFS-OIG stated: “HFS-OIG remains vigilant in holding accountable those who breach the public trust and defraud Illinois's Medicaid program.”
Mario M. Pinto from HHS-OIG added: "This provider took millions of dollars from taxpayers by billing Medicaid programs for services that were not rendered to her patients."
Raoul’s MFCU funding comes primarily from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grants totaling $11,309,840 for fiscal year 2025; Illinois contributes $3,769,945.
Deputy Chief Steve Krueger and Deputy Chief Melissa Taormina Guske prosecuted the case for Raoul’s office.