PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lori Sitler/Janice Fitzsimons

Phone: (302) 577-8314

Pager: (302) 247-1132

Date: October 18, 2004

TRANSPORTATION PROVIDER SENTENCED IN MEDICAID FRAUD CASE

(Georgetown, DE): Attorney General M. Jane Brady announced that Stephanie Showell, owner and operator of TIG Transportation was sentenced by Judge Richard F. Stokes in Superior Court on Friday, October 15th, to a 3 year prison term which was suspended for 1 year of home confinement. Following the home confinement, the defendant will serve a 9 year period of probation. Showell also was sentenced to pay triple damages in restitution to the Delaware Medicaid Program, along with penalties and costs of the investigation for a total monetary penalty of $17,681.61. 

Showell was convicted on August 12, 2004 of five counts of Felony Health Care Fraud in a jury trial in Sussex County Superior Court. The State alleged that TIG Transportation overcharged the Delaware Medicaid program for medical transportation and escort services provided to Medicaid recipients. Showell also is alleged to have charged the Medicaid program for transportation she provided to her family members. 

Attorney General Brady said “The sentence in this case highlights the serious nature of defrauding the Medicaid system. My office will continue to vigorously prosecute these cases.” 

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