OKLAHOMA CITY – Three individuals from the Lawton area have been sentenced for conspiracy to commit health care fraud. U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester announced the sentencing of Jimmie Mathews, 41, Nathan Mathews, 42, and Amber Delger, 55, for their involvement in a scheme affecting TRICARE, the U.S. Military healthcare program.
In May 2024, charges were brought against Delger for conspiring to commit health care fraud, while both Jimmie and Nathan faced a 16-count indictment, including conspiracy and health care fraud charges. Nathan Mathews formerly owned Emerald Lane Therapy Services in Lawton, alongside co-owner Delger. Nathan and Jimmie Mathews also jointly owned Stars & Stripes Therapy, which began operations in January 2020. Both businesses provided services to TRICARE beneficiaries and billed the Defense Health Agency (DHA).
The fraudulent activity began in January 2018, with false claims submitted to TRICARE for appointments that were never attended, yet billed as if care was provided. Emerald Lane further billed using a former therapist's National Provider Identity (NPI) number. Collectively, over $7 million was billed, with nearly $3 million reimbursed.
In October 2024, both Jimmie and Nathan pleaded guilty, with Delger's plea entered in June 2024. "Through their fraudulent conduct, these defendants exploited programs intended to provide critical benefits to our nation’s military, veterans, and their families," Troester stated. "We will continue to protect taxpayer-funded institutions."
Acting Special Agent in Charge Chad Gosch emphasized the Defense Criminal Investigative Service's commitment to safeguarding TRICARE. "These sentencings demonstrate our tireless pursuit to investigate individuals that seek to enrich themselves at the expense of this valuable program," Gosch said.
U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Nathan Mathews to 87 months in federal prison with two years supervised release and $1,410,255.66 in restitution. Jimmie Mathews received 42 months with three years supervised release and $632,026.43 restitution. Delger, previously sentenced in January 2025, received 26 months in federal prison with two years supervised release and $653,269.00 restitution. Judge Dishman condemned the fraud as "egregious and far reaching."
The investigation was conducted by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, with Assistant U.S. Attorney D.H. Dilbeck prosecuting.