CoEric Riley, 38, and Britney Gooch, 37, of Mesa, Arizona, have pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud after admitting they defrauded the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), the state’s Medicaid agency. The couple operated New Horizons Behavioral Health, a behavioral health clinic in Mesa, where they exploited the American Indian Health Program (AIHP) by submitting fraudulent claims for services that were never provided.
The Fraud Scheme and Its Impact
Riley and Gooch’s scheme allowed them to illegally bill AHCCCS for approximately $3.3 million by improperly billing for services that were not rendered to AIHP patients. This fraudulent activity led to significant financial gains for the couple at the expense of taxpayers and vulnerable communities.
Sentencing and Legal Consequences
Riley and Gooch now face up to 10 years in prison for their involvement in the fraudulent billing scheme. Their sentencing is scheduled for February 21, 2025.