LOS ANGELES – A San Fernando Valley woman was sentenced today to 72 months for conspiring to defraud health insurance companies by causing millions of dollars in fraudulent claims to be submitted to provide patients with “free” cosmetic procedures, including Botox injections, and for cheating on her taxes.
Roshanak Khadem, 55, a.k.a. “Roxanne Khadem,” a.k.a. “Roxy Khadem,” of Sherman Oaks, was sentenced by United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson, who also ordered her to pay $1,250,601 in restitution and a $30,000 fine.
Khadem pleaded guilty on February 8 to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of subscribing to a false income tax return.
Khadem owned and operated facilities that provided aesthetic services to clients, including R&R Med Spa in Valley Village and Nu-Me Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center in Woodland Hills.
From January 2012 to April 2016, Khadem caused patients to visit her clinics to receive cosmetic procedures, including Botox injections, facials and laser hair removal. Khadem knew these procedures were not covered by the patients’ health insurers. Khadem also knew that her employees informed some patients that, if they turned over their health insurance information to the Khadem-owned clinics, the patients could receive free or discounted cosmetic procedures pursuant to a “credit” they would earn.
Health insurance information from these patients was provided to the insurance biller for the clinics, knowing and intending that the information would be used to submit false and fraudulent claims to the health insurers for medical procedures that Khadem knew were either not actually provided to the patients or were not medically necessary.
Then, based on the amount that the health insurers paid on those false and fraudulent claims, Khadem and others would calculate an amount, which the co-conspirators referred to as a “credit,” that the patients could use to receive free or discounted cosmetic procedures from the clinics. Those patients would then come into the clinics to receive the free or discounted cosmetic procedures.
The proceeds from the health care fraud conspiracy were deposited into bank accounts that were held in the names of doctors who were affiliated with the clinics and who signed off on and caused to be submitted the false and fraudulent claims under their names.
Khadem took possession of the proceeds from the doctors’ accounts in two ways. First, because Khadem had signatory authority on the bank accounts, she was able to obtain the funds by writing checks on the accounts. Second, she would withdraw funds from the bank accounts using pre-signed checks that she obtained from the doctors.
From January 2012 to April 2016, Khadem and her co-conspirators submitted claims, which included false and fraudulent claims for which those companies paid out at least $1,250,601.
The scheme involving the two clinics defrauded the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Pacific Maritime Association Benefit Plan, which is the health benefit plan that covers longshore workers in Southern California and their dependents. Another victim was the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, which provides health insurance for federal employees.
Khadem failed to report this income on her income tax returns for 2013, 2014 and 2015. Khadem’s underreporting of her income for these three years caused a total tax loss of $453,451.
The remaining four defendants in this case each have pleaded guilty. Lucine Ilangezyan, 42, of North Hills, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health fraud, and is serving an 18-month prison sentence. Gary Jizmejian, 48, of Santa Clarita, a former senior investigator at the Anthem Special Investigations Unit, the anti-fraud unit within Anthem that is responsible for investigating health care fraud committed against the insurance company, pleaded guilty to using his cell phone to send text messages to co-defendants as part of this commercial bribery scheme. He also is serving an 18-month prison sentence.
Dr. Roberto Mariano, 64, of Rancho Cucamonga, a physician who helped operate the clinics, and Marina Sarkisyan, 53, of Panorama City, who was the office manager at the clinics, are scheduled to be sentenced on November 7.
IRS Criminal Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the United States Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Valerie L. Makarewicz of the Major Frauds Section and Morgan J. Cohen of the General Crimes Section prosecuted this case.
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Wall Township Police Arrest Two in Separate Motor Vehicle Stops WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Wall Township Police made two arrests on Saturday during separate motor vehicle stops.
Patrolman Alfredo Flores arrested Dominick J. Tarabocchia, 25, of Howell, for driving while intoxicated on Route 35. Tarabocchia was processed and released in accordance with John’s Law, which mandates certain conditions for the release of individuals arrested for DWI.
In a separate incident, Patrolman T.J. Powers arrested Jawahn S. Banks, 32, of Toms River, during a traffic stop on Route 138. Banks was found to have several active warrants issued by various area jurisdictions. He was processed and released after posting bail.
Both individuals are expected to face further legal proceedings.
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Wall Township Police Make Arrests for Shoplifting and Active Warrant WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The Wall Township Police Department made two arrests on Friday in separate incidents.
Patrolman John Kelly arrested Marinee I. McCarthy, 58, of Manhattan, New York, for shoplifting at the ShopRite located on Route 35. McCarthy was processed at the police station and subsequently released on a summons.
In an unrelated incident, Patrolman Chris Roeck arrested Imeda Usanetashvili, 43, of Brooklyn, New York. Usanetashvili was found to have an active warrant issued by the Wall Township Municipal Court. He was transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, where he remains in custody.
Both individuals are awaiting further legal proceedings.
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Wall Township Police Arrest Two Individuals on Separate Charges WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The Wall Township Police Department announced the arrests of two individuals in separate incidents on Monday.
Patrolman Megan Alexander apprehended Noemi Berrios, 61, of Manhattan, New York, who was wanted on a warrant stemming from a 2021 investigation. Berrios has been charged with theft by deception for allegedly defrauding a Wall Township resident of $25,000. Following her arrest, Berrios was transferred to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, where she awaits her initial court appearance.
In a separate incident, Patrolman James Yannazzone arrested Jesus T. Salmoran, 41, of Wall Township, during a suspicious person investigation at the Shark River Shell Gas Station on Route 35. Salmoran was found to have several outstanding warrants issued by various jurisdictions.
Both individuals are now in custody, with further legal proceedings pending.
