Attorney General announces mental health counselor charged with Medicaid fraud

December 10, 2010

Attorney General Chris Koster said today that a Springfield, Missouri, licensed professional counselor has been charged with 4 felony counts of Medicaid fraud, 1 count of obstruction, and 1 count of stealing by deceit. The Greene County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office joined Koster in filing the charges against Joshua Johnmeyer (DOB 08/27/1976).  Johnmeyer is charged with submitting false claims for payment to Medicaid for counseling services he did not perform and for supplying the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit with false patient records with the intention to defraud the state. 

“One of my top priorities as Attorney General is prosecuting those who cheat Missouri's Medicaid system,” Koster said.  “This kind of illegal conduct denies medical resources that would otherwise be directed to needy Missourians.”

Johnmeyer is charged with billing the state for more than $3,600 in false claims from January to September of 2009.  Johnmeyer is charged with five Class C felonies, punishable by up to 7 years for each violation, plus penalties and restitution, and one D felony, punishable by up to 4 years in prison.

As in all criminal cases, the charges against the defendant are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Koster said citizens should report suspected Medicaid provider fraud or abuse and neglect to his Medicaid Fraud Hotline toll-free at 800-286-3932. 

Source: "Attorney General Koster files criminal charges in Medicaid fraud case -- Green County counselor faces 6 felony counts," press release of the Missouri Attorney General, December 7, 2010.