Federal and state authorities announced sweeping fraud charges against 14 individuals in Ohio Thursday, alleging schemes totaling over $57 million in stolen taxpayer funds through Medicaid fraud, COVID-19 relief scams, and romance cons. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche declared Ohio is facing one of the nation’s most significant fraud crises.

Massive Medicaid Fraud Schemes Uncovered

Nine defendants face federal and state charges tied to more than $42 million in alleged fraud. The largest case involves four defendants accused of orchestrating a $30 million behavioral health fraud scheme through false Medicaid billing for children and young adults. Authorities seized three bank accounts containing approximately $469,000 and confiscated 14 vehicles valued at roughly $800,000 during the investigation.

In Butler County, prosecutors indicted Robert Haley on 31 criminal charges including forgery, Medicaid fraud, aggravated theft, and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. Police allege Haley submitted more than 60,000 fraudulent Medicaid claims between January 2020 and May 2026 for services never provided, resulting in over $12 million in improper payments. Investigators say Haley created false records when authorities began examining his operation.

New Task Forces Target Fraudsters

Federal officials detailed additional cases including an alleged $1.4 million paycheck protection program scheme and a $15 million romance scam involving five defendants who were charged or detained. FBI Director Kash Patel and Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, joined Blanche in announcing aggressive new enforcement measures to combat widespread fraud targeting government programs.

The Justice Department announced suspension of 49 home health care providers identified as high-risk operations. Ohio will establish a dedicated Medicaid fraud room to coordinate investigations. “We’re coming after you wherever you are,” Oz warned suspected fraudsters. The announcement follows Governor Mike DeWine’s implementation of a six-month moratorium on new home healthcare and hospice businesses becoming Medicaid providers.

Most Wanted Fraudsters List Launched

Authorities unveiled a new “Most Wanted Fraudsters” program designed to publicize wanted fraud suspects and encourage tips from the public. The initiative represents part of a broader crackdown on individuals exploiting taxpayer-funded programs. Blanche emphasized the administration’s commitment to protecting public funds, stating officials will not stop until the fraud problem is resolved. The coordinated federal and state response signals heightened scrutiny of healthcare providers and pandemic relief recipients suspected of defrauding government programs designed to help vulnerable populations and struggling businesses.