The New Mexico Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against two operators of the nonprofit afterschool program Kids in Need of Support Services (KISS) in Silver City. The lawsuit, which involves 91 counts of fraud and identity theft, accuses Susanne Kee and Bethanne Kee-Medran of submitting over $1.6 million in fraudulent Medicaid claims.
Attorney General Raúl Torrez said that the defendants allegedly exploited a system designed to assist those in need by stealing social security numbers from children under their care and fabricating psychological disorders. "Their actions not only resulted in the theft of public funds, but it will likely require the affected children and their families to spend substantial time and resources to correct falsified medical records that could impact future employment," said Torrez.
The investigation by the NMDOJ's Medicaid Fraud and Elder Abuse Bureau revealed that Kee and Kee-Medran submitted false claims for services never provided. They also allegedly used social security numbers and Medicaid identifiers without consent, documenting fictitious psychological disorders to justify these services.
Kee faces 10 counts of fraud and 36 counts of identity theft, while Kee-Medran is charged with nine counts of fraud and 36 counts of identity theft. The NMDOJ seeks restitution, fines, and penalties through this lawsuit. Complaints have been filed with the Magistrate Court in Silver City, where arraignments will be scheduled.
The case was investigated by the NMDOJ’s Medicaid Fraud and Elder Abuse Bureau, which receives significant funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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