News Summary
Two residents from South Carolina have been charged in a significant health care fraud operation that resulted in 324 individuals facing charges nationwide. The U.S. Department of Justice’s efforts have led to the seizure of substantial assets linked to fraudulent activities amounting to over $14.6 billion in false billings. The operation highlights a broader crackdown on health care fraud in the region, with numerous individuals implicated in various schemes, including false claims and illegal drug diversion.
South Carolina – In a groundbreaking operation conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), two residents from South Carolina have been charged as part of the largest health care fraud takedown in U.S. history, conducted in 2025. This nationwide effort culminated in a staggering total of 324 individuals being charged for involvement in health care fraud and illegal drug diversion schemes, which have allegedly resulted in over $14.6 billion in false billings and the illicit diversion of more than 15 million pills of controlled substances.
The extensive operation led to the seizure of approximately $245 million in cash linked to these fraudulent activities. Among those charged are Tina Marie Armstrong, 67, from Florence, South Carolina, and Dee Alice Moton, 51, from Hephzibah, Georgia. Armstrong has been accused of health care fraud and aggravated identity theft, while Moton faces charges related to billing the Veterans Administration for services that were never rendered.
Details of Charges Against Individuals
Tina Marie Armstrong is charged with submitting false claims totaling $198,981.55 to Medicare and Medicaid through her company, Safe at Home Medical Equipment and Supplies, LLC, of which $104,577.74 was reportedly paid out. Her case will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston Holliday.
On the other hand, Dee Alice Moton is facing serious allegations for billing the Veterans Administration fraudulent services totaling $2,373,147.22 over a two-year period through her business, Flowing Hands Massage Clinical Therapy, located in Aiken, South Carolina. The prosecution of this case is in the hands of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Matthews and Amy Bower, who are tasked with demonstrating that Moton consistently billed for services that she did not perform.
Wider Implications of the Operation
The recent takedown not only focuses on individuals charged but also highlights a broader crackdown in North and South Carolina, where at least nine individuals were arrested for conspiring to defraud Medicaid programs by selling beneficiary information. Notable figures among those charged are David Corey Hill and Crystal Sherrell Jackson, both facing accusations of health care fraud and money laundering.
Furthermore, the fraud schemes encompassed the creation of fake behavioral health clinics that submitted false claims resulting in over $21 million drawn from South Carolina’s Medicaid system. Conspirators were found to have gained access to real names and identification numbers of medical professionals to perpetrate these acts, with some defendants setting up fictitious clinic operations, while others misused legitimate businesses to submit fraudulent claims.
Government’s Commitment to Combat Fraud
The DOJ has reaffirmed its dedication to protecting vulnerable citizens and maintaining the integrity of health care programs. This includes a particular focus on ensuring that services meant for veterans and other beneficiaries are not exploited for illegitimate gain.
Additionally, Latisha Massey, a certified nursing assistant, faces state charges for financial crimes connected to her work in a nursing home, in which she allegedly misappropriated funds from a resident’s account. These incidents further exemplify the varied nature of health care fraud that the DOJ is addressing in its ongoing efforts.
Conclusion
The details emerging from this widespread fraud operation indicate a concerning trend in health care misconduct and underscore the necessity of stringent oversight in the system. The unified response from federal authorities aims to dismantle fraudulent networks and protect the integrity of health care services provided to American citizens, particularly those in vulnerable populations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WPDE: Florence Woman Arrested in National Health Care Fraud Takedown
- WBTV: Multiple North and South Carolina Residents Arrested in Alleged Health Care Fraud Bust
- SC Daily Gazette: 11 Charged with Defrauding SC Health Care Systems as Part of Nationwide Takedown
- WJBF: Hephzibah Woman Charged During National Health Care Fraud Takedown
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Care Fraud
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
