New York Paralegal Blog

The recent indictment of Mark Loftis, an Oklahoma chiropractor and medical supply owner, has sent shockwaves through the healthcare community. Beyond the staggering $30 million figure, this case serves as a masterclass in how federal agencies use a "layered" legal approach to dismantle complex fraud schemes. Whether you are a healthcare professional or a concerned taxpayer, understanding the specific laws cited in this case—and the severe consequences they carry—is essential. 1. The Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS): The Foundation of the Fraud The core of the Loftis indictment is the alleged payment of illegal kickbacks. The Law: Under the Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b), it is a felony to offer, pay, solicit, or receive any form of "remuneration" (anything of value) in exchange for referring a patient or generating business for a federal healthcare program like Medicare or TRICARE. The Allegation: Loftis reportedly paid marketers to find patient...

OKLAHOMA CITY—Late yesterday, TERRANCE LYNN MCGUIRE, 27, of Canyon, Texas, was sentenced to 500 months in federal prison for kidnapping a 10-year-old girl and transporting her from Oklahoma to Texas to New Mexico, announced Sanford C. Coats, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma. “The protection of our children is, and will remain, a top priority of the United States Attorney's Office and the Department of Justice as a whole," said U.S. Attorney Sanford C. Coats. "These tragic and complicated cases require the cooperative effort of federal, state and local law enforcement. That was certainly true with this case, and I commend the diligent work of all law enforcement involved in bringing Mr. McGuire to justice. As a result of this fine work, Mr. McGuire will not victimize another child for more than 41 years.”