A federal jury in Fort Worth convicted Kevin D. Curry, 64, the owner of mental‑health clinics in Plano, Fort Worth and Fort Walton Beach, Florida, on nine counts of health‑care fraud, illegal kickbacks and money‑laundering. Prosecutors said Curry orchestrated a scheme that siphoned roughly $26 million from TRICARE, the health‑care program that serves active‑duty service members, retirees and their families.
How the fraud worked
The Justice Department alleged Curry billed TRICARE for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy that was either medically unnecessary or never actually provided. He allegedly used the credentials of licensed physicians without their knowledge to submit false claims, and directed clinic staff to fabricate medical records to justify the fraudulent billing.
According to the evidence, Curry paid more than $5.5 million in illegal kickbacks to persuade service members, veterans and their families to consent to TMS treatments they did not qualify for. In total, the clinics submitted over $26 million in false or kickback‑tainted claims, of which TRICARE paid about $17 million before the fraud was uncovered.
Luxury spending with stolen funds
Prosecutors said Curry laundered part of the proceeds by spending the money on extravagant purchases, including luxury hotel stays, a casino‑themed party and a gold‑plated Tesla Cybertruck valued at more than $100,000.
“This defendant exploited a critical health‑care program serving active‑duty service members and their families, diverting taxpayer dollars to bankroll personal luxuries ranging from hotel stays to a gold‑plated Cybertruck,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould added that Curry “shamelessly preyed on the trust of service members, veterans, and their families,” highlighting the misuse of doctors’ identities and fabricated records.
Potential sentence
Curry faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison on each of the nine counts, along with possible fines and restitution. A sentencing hearing will be set later, with the judge considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case underscores the importance of vigilant oversight of federal health programs and serves as a reminder that fraudsters will be held accountable for exploiting the sacrifices of those who serve our nation.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
