Vocational Nurse in LA County Faces Charges for $1.5 Million Medi-Cal Fraud Scheme
Vocational Nurse Arrested for Alleged Medi-Cal Fraud Exceeding $1.5 Million
On May 1, Mariafe Concepcion Garcia, a 58-year-old vocational nurse based in Los Angeles County, was arrested by the California Attorney General’s Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud. This arrest followed a felony warrant issued by a Los Angeles superior court judge on April 27.
Garcia faces charges involving what state prosecutors have described as "white-collar crimes." Allegations indicate that she defrauded the state’s low-cost health care program, Medi-Cal, to the tune of over $1.5 million. Prosecutors assert that Garcia billed the system for hospice services that were never rendered between December 1, 2020, and March 31, 2024.
According to a warrant request submitted by the attorney general’s office, Garcia is believed to be the ringleader of the alleged scheme. The documents suggest that she motivated others to participate in the fraud, indicating her dominant role in orchestrating the crimes.
Garcia was initially processed at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s West Hollywood station before being transferred to the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood later that same day. If convicted, she would not be eligible for probation, as state law prohibits probation for thefts valued over $100,000.
State licensing records confirm that Garcia has been a licensed vocational nurse, holding certifications in IV therapy and blood withdrawal, since April 2008. Her license remains current and active.
Garcia is scheduled to appear in court again on May 15. Efforts to contact an attorney representing her have thus far been unsuccessful.
