A 71-year-old Oakland County woman has been found guilty of defrauding Medicare and receiving illegal kickbacks in a scheme that cost the program over $1.4 million.
Mary Smettler-Bolton was convicted on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. Evidence presented at trial revealed that Smettler-Bolton referred Medicare beneficiaries to Detroit-area home health companies in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal kickbacks.
READ: Michigan Man Sentenced To 30 Months For Domestic Violence
This scheme, which spanned four years, involved Smettler-Bolton and her co-conspirators who exploited the Medicare system for personal gain.
Smettler-Bolton faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and up to 10 years for the kickback charge. Her sentencing is scheduled for March 3, 2025.
READ: Arizona Cold Case Solved: Remains Identified As Missing Michigan Man
The case was investigated by the FBI Detroit Field Office and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). The prosecution was handled by the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.