Man stole brother’s ID to defraud Medicare of $56K
A St. Louis man has been sentenced for using his brother’s identity to obtain money from Medicare from June 2018 and February 2022. He was allegedly able to defraud the program of more than $56,000.
According to prosecutors, Christopher J. Spencer, 46, used his brother's identity and submitted reimbursements to the Missouri Medicare program for meals, housekeeping, grooming and transportation. His brother was previously his live-in personal care provider.
After his brother moved out, Spencer continued billing Medicare for “care” he supposedly received from his brother, keeping the money for himself. His brother stopped providing him personal care in 2018.
Prosecutors said Spencer would conduct his scam by forging his brother’s signature, even taking out loans in his name that were then paid off with Medicare reimbursement. He also allegedly used a debit card meant to be used for Medicare reimbursement and used the money to pay for rent, groceries, and personal expenses.
Spencer pleaded guilty to five counts of making false statements. He was sentenced to six months in jail and ordered to pay back $56,173 to the Missouri Medicare program.
Read the full story at Fox 2 Now at the link below.
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.