Federal prosecutors and investigators with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have launched a public search for Ji Hae Kim, a former registered nurse who pleaded guilty in a Medicare fraud case but disappeared before sentencing.[1]
Kim, 57, was accused of participating in a Medicare fraud conspiracy while working for a Los Angeles-area home health care company in 2011.[1] According to investigators, the company billed Medicare about $5.1 million for fake home health services.[1]
Authorities said Kim admitted guilt in a plea agreement but then failed to appear in court and has been missing for 14 years.[1] She is accused of falsifying medical records to make patients appear eligible for Medicare-covered services, altering notes to make their conditions seem more serious, and creating visit schedules and nursing records for visits that never happened.[1]
Federal officials believe Kim may be in South Korea and have not ruled out seeking her return through international cooperation.[1]
