Multiple Arrests Made in $50 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme in Southern California
Eight Arrested in Southern California Medicare Fraud Case
Federal authorities have apprehended eight individuals accused of defrauding Medicare and other insurance companies, allegedly using hospices as a front to embezzle millions of dollars. The announcement from the Department of Justice (DOJ) came on Thursday.
The alleged total theft amounts to over $50 million, with activities spanning from Anaheim to Simi Valley. The DOJ labeled Southern California a "high-risk environment" for healthcare fraud, highlighting the collaboration with Vice President JD Vance’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
"The United States loses hundreds of billions of dollars annually to healthcare fraud, impacting all American taxpayers," stated Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. "Our aim is to reverse that trend with ‘Operation Never Say Die’ and others like it."
Details of the Allegations
Anaheim
Lolita Beronilla Minerd, a licensed vocational nurse, was arrested for allegedly submitting fraudulent claims to Medicare through her Artesia-based Topanga Hospice Care. The DOJ claims Minerd billed Medicare for hospice services rendered to individuals who did not have terminal illnesses, often involving recruitment and kickbacks. She is accused of fraudulently receiving over $8.5 million from Medicare. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
Covina
Psychologist Gladwin Gill and his wife, Amelous Gill, are accused of defrauding Medicare through their Glendale business, 626 Hospice. They allegedly claimed to provide hospice services that were either never rendered or not medically necessary, resulting in over $4 million in stolen funds.
Glendale
Nita Almuete Paddit Palma, currently in federal prison for previous hospice fraud, is charged along with her husband, Adolfo Catbagan, for allegedly operating three fraudulent hospices. The couple is suspected of stealing at least $4.2 million from Medicare during this operation.
Tarzana
Evelyn Tindimobuna, also a licensed vocational nurse, was arrested for allegedly submitting numerous fraudulent Medicare claims through Comfort Choice hospice. Between January 2022 and September 2025, the 51-year-old is accused of defrauding Medicare of $3.4 million.
Simi Valley
Ivan Verne Lauritzen allegedly forged a physician’s signature to submit false Medicare claims, resulting in a theft of $526,000 through his Simi Valley-based Valley Pacific Hospice.
Carson and Huntington Beach
Four individuals, including a licensed chiropractor, are charged with conspiring to submit fake chiropractic and physical therapy claims to International Longshore and Warehouse Union Pacific Maritime Association health plan and other private insurers. The group is accused of collecting over $6.4 million with fraudulent claims under several businesses, including Ohana Wellness Center and One Life Acupuncture APC.
East Hollywood
Young Joo Ko faces allegations of fraudulently posing as a nurse while creating fake immigration documents for financial gain. Ko is accused of claiming that non-existent immigration applicants required medical examinations. If convicted, Ko could face up to 10 years in federal prison.
As federal authorities continue to address healthcare fraud, the implications of these arrests extend beyond financial crimes, affecting the integrity of the healthcare system and taxpayers nationwide.
