Four more charged in $110 million hospice fraud scheme
US Department of Justice, Southern District of Texas, October 21, 2025
Editor's Note:
This matter occurred on date indicated but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
HOUSTON – Seven Houston residents are now charged in a superseding indictment for their roles in a Medicare fraud scheme involving patients not terminally ill, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Authorities have arrested Hattie Banks, 49, Humble; Lydia Obere, 59, and Cheryl Brooks, 64, both of Houston; and Ena Cowart, 50, Missouri City. They join Dera Ogudo, 40, Victoria Martinez, 36, both of Richmond, and Evelyn Shaw, 52, Houston, who were previously taken into custody.
According to the 43-count superseding indictment, returned Oct. 5, all seven conspired to fraudulently bill Medicare and Medicaid for more than $110 million for hospice services provided to patients who were not terminally ill.
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