Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced felony charges against the owner and facility manager of Granite Bay Residential Care Home. The charges relate to Medi-Cal fraud amounting to over half a million dollars. According to the investigation, between January 2020 and September 2022, the defendants billed Medi-Cal for services that were not provided, resulting in an overpayment exceeding $500,000. Additionally, funds intended for program use were allegedly used for personal luxury purchases. The defendants are also accused of stealing two iPhones and two MacBook Pros purchased with program funds.

Attorney General Bonta stated, “When providers defraud Medi-Cal, it not only undermines the integrity of the program, but it also poses a significant threat to the patients who rely on Medi-Cal for their health and well-being.” He emphasized that the California Department of Justice will continue to hold accountable those involved in Medi-Cal fraud to ensure the program remains reliable and accessible.

The complaint was filed in Sacramento County Superior Court with charges including False or Fraudulent Claims, Conspiracy to Commit False or Fraudulent Claims, and Grand Theft by Embezzlement. It is important to remember that criminal charges must be proven in court; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse (DMFEA) aims to protect Californians by investigating abuse, neglect, and fraud against elderly and dependent adults as well as Medi-Cal fraud. DMFEA receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through a grant totaling $69,244,976 for Federal fiscal year 2025. The remaining 25 percent is funded by California State.