Who Are Shalondria Simpson And Lashondria Simpson-Camp?
Shalondria Simpson and Lashondria Simpson-Camp, twin sisters from Texas City, Texas, have both carved out successful careers in the healthcare field, albeit along different paths, before becoming embroiled in a substantial legal case involving a multimillion-dollar health care fraud, kickback, and money laundering scheme.
Shalondria Simpson pursued a career in pharmacy, earning her Doctorate of Pharmacy Degree from Texas Southern University (TSU). She later returned to TSU as a professor while concurrently working as a pharmacist. Shalondria specialized in compounding and owned and operated two pharmacies in Houston: Advance Pharmacy and TruCare Pharmacy. Her pharmacies provided specialty services for patients, including custom medication compounding, low-cost generics, delivery service, and a discharge medication concierge service.
Lashondria Simpson-Camp, on the other hand, took a different route in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 2007 and served as Executive Chief Resident during her final year of general surgery residency at the University of Maryland in 2012. She became a board-certified general surgeon, a certified breast surgical oncologist, and the owner of Accuhealth, a worker’s compensation and personal injury rehabilitation clinic with three locations. Dr. Camp, while practicing as a certified breast surgical oncologist, observed the physical and psychological impacts of chemotherapy drugs and surgery on patients. This observation sparked her vision to restore overall health and beauty to women, which she sought to realize through the Tru Essence Cosmetic and Medical Spa.
The Birth of Tru Essence: A Fusion of Expertise and Passion
The sisters, despite their divergent career paths, found a way to combine their specialties and passion for health and wellness, creating a Cosmetic and Medical Spa in downtown Houston named Tru Essence. Tru Essence, a unique luxury cosmetic and medical spa, customizes treatment plans to address undesirable face and body changes resulting from the aging process and utilizes alternative and safe medications to assist those suffering from chronic pain. The spa offers an extensive array of cosmetic, medical, hair restoration, and men’s spa services, along with a complete line of skincare products.
Who Is Shayla Bryant?
Shayla Bryant, a 38-year-old pharmacist from Houston, Texas, has been implicated in a substantial legal case involving a multimillion-dollar health care fraud, kickback, and money laundering scheme that spanned six years. The case has garnered attention due to its complexity and the significant amount of money involved.
Shayla Bryant worked as a pharmacist and was also the business manager for two pharmacies in Houston: Advance Pharmacy and TruCare Pharmacy. These pharmacies were owned and operated by Shalondria Simpson. The case also involves Simpson’s twin sister, physician Lashondria Simpson-Camp, who allegedly referred prescriptions to these pharmacies in exchange for illegal kickbacks and bribes.
What Charges Do They Face?
The charges against Shalondria Simpson, Lashondria Simpson-Camp, and Shayla Bryant are extensive and multifaceted, involving a complex web of fraudulent activities that spanned over six years, from 2016 to 2022. Furthermore, the trio has been indicted on multiple counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and paying and receiving health care kickbacks.
Conspiracy To Defraud The United States And Pay And Receive Health Care Kickbacks
The indictment alleges that the trio conspired to defraud the United States by engaging in a scheme to pay and receive health care kickbacks. Kickbacks refer to unearned and often hidden payments made to encourage the referral of patients or the prescription of specific drugs. In this case, Lashondria Simpson-Camp, a physician, allegedly referred prescriptions to two pharmacies owned by her twin sister, Shalondria Simpson, in exchange for illegal kickbacks and bribes. The scheme also implicated Shayla Bryant, who served as a pharmacist and the business manager for both pharmacies. The kickbacks were concealed through a series of financial transactions designed to disguise the true nature and source of the funds.
Conspiracy To Commit Health Care Fraud
The trio is also charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud. They allegedly conspired to submit false and fraudulent claims to the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Program (DOL-OWCP). Kickbacks and bribes induced these claims for high-reimbursing drugs, which were often medically unnecessary. The pharmacies owned by Shalondria Simpson allegedly submitted approximately $170 million in fraudulent claims to the Federal Employee’s Compensation Act (FECA) through DOL-OWCP. Health care fraud of this nature undermines the integrity of health care programs and can result in patients receiving unnecessary or substandard care.
Conspiracy To Launder Monetary Instruments And Money Laundering
Shalondria Simpson is also charged with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and multiple counts of money laundering. Money laundering involves conducting financial transactions in a manner designed to conceal or disguise the illicit origin of the funds. Simpson allegedly conspired to launder the proceeds of the criminal activity through financial transactions exceeding $10,000. After learning of the investigation, she attempted to cover her tracks by converting criminal proceeds to cash, transferring funds among over ten bank accounts, and a cryptocurrency wallet, and soliciting others’ help in liquidating assets and concealing her ownership and control of those assets. Money laundering is particularly concerning as it allows criminals to enjoy the profits of their illegal activities without attracting attention and can also facilitate further criminal activity.
Legal And Ethical Implications
These charges bring to light significant legal and ethical issues within the healthcare sector. The alleged activities not only defraud government programs of substantial sums of money but also undermine trust in healthcare professionals and institutions. Patients rely on physicians and pharmacists to act in their best interests, and kickback schemes can result in patients receiving unnecessary medications or treatments, exposing them to potential risks and side effects.
Systemic Vulnerabilities
The case also highlights systemic vulnerabilities within the healthcare sector, where fraudulent activities can go undetected for several years and involve substantial financial transactions. It underscores the critical need for robust regulatory oversight and systems to monitor, audit, and control financial transactions and healthcare claims within the sector.
The case against Shalondria Simpson, Lashondria Simpson-Camp, and Shayla Bryant is a stark reminder of the potential for fraud within the healthcare system and highlights the importance of vigilance, transparency, and accountability in healthcare practices and pharmaceutical management. It also highlights the need for stringent measures to safeguard against fraudulent activities. These measures aim to ensure that medical practices are conducted with the utmost integrity and adhere to legal and ethical standards.
Why Are Kicks And Bribes Considered Unethical And A Crime?
Kickbacks and bribes are deemed unethical and criminal for several compelling reasons. These reasons revolve around fairness, integrity, and the potential for harm to individuals and society.
Violation Of Trust
In the healthcare sector, patients trust professionals to make decisions based on medical necessity and not financial gain. Kickbacks can lead to unnecessary prescriptions or treatments, eroding this trust. When public officials or entities are involved, bribes undermine the public’s trust in institutions and systems.
Compromised Decision Making
Kickbacks and bribes introduce financial incentives. These incentives can bias decision-making, leading professionals to make choices based on personal gain rather than merit or necessity. Decisions influenced by bribes may not align with quality, safety, or efficacy, potentially endangering lives and well-being.
Economic Consequences
Fraudulent claims and kickbacks in healthcare often result in inflated costs, typically passed on to consumers and taxpayers. Therefore, bribes can redirect resources away from where they are needed most, leading to inefficient and inequitable distribution.
Inequality And Unfairness
Bribes distort the level playing field, allowing companies or individuals to gain unfair advantages. They perpetuate inequality by enabling those who can afford to pay bribes to access opportunities and resources that may be denied to others.
Legal And Regulatory Compliance
Many jurisdictions have strict laws against bribes and kickbacks. Examples include the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in the U.S. and the Bribery Act in the U.K. Kickbacks often involve violating regulatory guidelines, which are designed to protect consumers and maintain market integrity.
Global Implications
In a global context, bribery can strain international relations and impact foreign direct investment. It can exacerbate global inequities, particularly when wealthy companies from developed nations engage in bribery in developing countries.
What Are The Criminal Consequences That They Face?
The criminal consequences faced by Shalondria Simpson, Lashondria Simpson-Camp, and Shayla Bryant, given the charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and paying and receiving health care kickbacks, can be quite severe.
Conspiracy To Defraud The United States And Pay And Receive Health Care Kickbacks
If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive health care kickbacks. They may also be subject to substantial fines, potentially amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. They might have to pay restitution, repaying the money defrauded from the government.
Conspiracy To Commit Health Care Fraud
The charge of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if convicted. If the violation results in serious bodily injury, the penalty increases to up to 20 years in prison. If the violation results in death, it can lead to a life sentence. They could also face substantial fines, determined based on the amount defrauded or a standard statutory amount.
Conspiracy To Launder Monetary Instruments And Money Laundering
Shalondria Simpson faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and 10 years for each count of money laundering. Money laundering charges can also carry hefty fines. These fines can potentially amount to up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater. Assets related to or derived from the money laundering activities may be subject to forfeiture.
Paying And Receiving Health Care Kickbacks
Simpson and Bryant each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count of paying health care kickbacks. They may also be subject to fines, which can be substantial, particularly if multiple counts are involved.
Additional Consequences
Given their professions in the healthcare sector, they may face additional consequences such as the revocation of professional licenses, exclusion from participation in federal healthcare programs, and professional ostracization. They might also face civil penalties, including additional fines and potential lawsuits from affected parties. The damage to their professional and personal reputations may have long-lasting impacts on their careers and personal lives.
Moreover, the consequences of the charges against Shalondria Simpson, Lashondria Simpson-Camp, and Shayla Bryant are substantial. They are multi-faceted, reflecting the seriousness with which the legal system views health care fraud, kickbacks, and money laundering. These penalties are designed to provide punishment for such activities. They also aim to deter future occurrences, safeguarding the integrity of healthcare systems and financial institutions.
It’s essential to note that the legal process must be completed, and until a court of law finds them guilty, they are presumed innocent of the charges against them. If you’d like more information or details from other sources, please let me know!
Need Help? Call Us Now!
Do not forget that when you or anyone you know is facing a criminal charge, you have us, the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, by your side to help you build the best defense case for you. Rest assured, we are committed to working in your best interest and securing the most favorable outcome for you. Our team will provide comprehensive explanations regarding your trial and offer strategic defense advice. We will guide you step by step throughout the criminal process, ensuring that you are well-supported at every stage.
Therefore, do not hesitate to call us if you find yourself or someone you know that is facing criminal charges unsure about the court system. We will work with you to give you the best type of defense that can help you solve your case. It’s crucial to have someone explain the charge’s result and guide you effectively.
Here at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, we have professional and knowledgeable criminal law attorneys who are experienced in building a defense case for you that suits your needs for the best possible outcome that can benefit you.
Also, here at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, you are given a free consultation at your convenience. You may choose to have your appointment via Zoom, google meet, email, or an in-person appointment. We will provide you with as much advice and information as possible so you can have the best possible result in your case, even in matters related to healthcare fraud.
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Hey there! My name is Olivia Ramirez, I graduated from Sam Houston State University with a bachelor’s of science in Psychology. I can’t help but scour the web for crime news and interesting stories. I write mostly true crime, anything from white collar crimes to the tragic murders across America. I try to mix in local news updates with big hitting scandals.
When I’m not typing away or searching for crime news, you’ll find me in bookstores looking for the new books to add to my backlog. Hanging out with my family or just relaxing with some cozy games to unwind from the day.
