(WFRV) – A former business owner in Wisconsin was convicted on September 12 of 17 federal charges stemming from a healthcare fraud scheme that exploited pregnant women and young mothers.
According to Richard Frohling, the Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Precious Cruse was the owner and operator of a Prenatal Care Coordination Company, ‘Caring Through Love.’
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Cruse was convicted of the following:
- Healthcare Fraud
- False Statements related to Healthcare Matters
- Anti-Kickback Statute Violations
- Aggravated Identity Theft
- Money Laundering
According to the release, evidence during the trial showed that Cruse exploited and took advantage of vulnerable pregnant women and young mothers by dragging them into the company’s prenatal care program, offering free baby items.
The women who enrolled had to provide personal information, which Cruse’s company used to submit Medicaid claims for unprovided services, with the participants occasionally receiving deliveries of diapers, baby wipes and sometimes nothing at all.
In addition, Cruse used fraud proceeds to pay for luxurious expenses, such as designer clothing, expensive travel and an $18,000 custom diamond necklace and bracelet for her toddler.
Cruse faces a mandatory minimum for the aggravated identity theft charges, with a maximum of 20 years in prison on each healthcare fraud charge, as her sentencing is scheduled for January 20, 2026.
