A Pennsylvania woman faces multiple criminal charges after her non-medical home care business had unqualified people provide medical care. Her charges relate to alleged neglect of vulnerable individuals and Medicaid fraud.

Facing one criminal charge can be intimidating. Facing multiple criminal charges can be overwhelming. If and when you've been charged with multiple crimes, the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help. We assist our clients with understanding their options and how to navigate the process.

Defending yourself doesn't have to be daunting. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.

Falsified Records and Claims

In January 2025, Tina Bell was charged with:

• Theft by deception
• Receiving stolen property
• Medicaid fraud
• Tampering with public records
• Neglect of a care-dependent person

The allegations against her relate to her Erie Country business. Officially licensed to provide non-medical home care, Bell allegedly falsified records, medical documents, and financial documents. Authorities allege that she altered records to conceal violations and billed for services that weren't provided.

It's estimated that Bell potentially received over one million dollars in Medicaid payments from fraudulent claims. Authorities also believe that she potentially risked the well-being of individuals by providing them with unlicensed medical care.

White Collar Crime

The majority of Bell's crimes fall under the category of white-collar crime. These are generally nonviolent crimes that involve financial or economic wrongdoing.

Common types of white-collar crime include:

• Fraud
• Embezzlement
• Tax evasion
• Money laundering
• Identity theft
• Credit card fraud
• Insurance fraud
• Record tampering

White-collar crime often involves no physical harm but can result in significant financial injury. The severity of the charges generally depends on the amount of the loss.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General has a dedicated staff for Medicaid fraud. They allow anyone to report a case of Medicaid fraud, from individuals to insurance companies.

In Pennsylvania, there are three levels of criminal charges:

• Summary Offense
• Misdemeanor
• Felony

Of the three, felonies are the most serious. All three can have a significant and detrimental impact if you're convicted.

Whatever the level, defending against allegations of white-collar crime can be daunting. These crimes are often complicated. While evidence is key in any crime, that's especially true for defending against white-collar crime. It's important to hire a team, such as the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team, that understands the complexities of these crimes and how to build a case that defends your rights.

Protect Your Future

If you're convicted of a white-collar crime, you could face serious repercussions beyond criminal penalties. Professionals may have their licenses suspended or revoked. Individuals may struggle to find employment and not be trusted to handle financial matters. It can affect your reputation among friends and family as well as your community.

Suppose you're facing charges of Medicaid fraud or other white-collar crimes; gathering evidence and building a defense as soon as possible matters. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team works with our clients to help them understand the process and defend their rights. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.