For the Reporter
Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced that an Auburn man was arrested at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Wednesday afternoon on charges he criminally mistreated a man in his care at his adult family home.
The victim has been hospitalized since Jan. 6.
The Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has charged Alfredo Tia with second-degree criminal mistreatment in King County Superior Court.
The victim, a 69-year-old man, was a resident of Joportia Adult Family Home from July 11, 2014, until he was admitted to MultiCare Auburn Medical Center earlier this year with six severe pressure ulcers, at least one of which went to the bone.
A social worker at the hospital reported suspected abuse. The investigation was forwarded to the AGO Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, as the victim’s care was paid for by Medicaid programs.
Tia was the owner and residential care provider at Joportia AFH. He left the country as the Department of Social and Health Services was closing the home in January.
“Medicaid fraud is a serious crime that hurts people in many different ways, sometimes financially and sometimes physically,” Ferguson said. “I’m proud of our hardworking Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, which uses every tool available to protect the people of Washington from this crime.”
The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Fighting fraud
The Attorney General’s MFCU is responsible for investigating and prosecuting fraud committed by healthcare providers against the state’s Medicaid program.
In addition, through a statewide law enforcement network, the unit coordinates investigation and prosecution of abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults in Medicaid-funded residential facilities.
Report suspected Medicaid fraud: 1-800-562-6906 or send an email to HotTips@hca.wa.gov.
You can also report provider fraud via the Attorney General’s Office website.
