WASHINGTON — A Maryland man pleaded guilty Tuesday to healthcare fraud after admitting he billed D.C.’s Medicaid program for services he never provided, causing over $113,000 in losses.
Amstrong Chapajong, 38, of Cheverly, entered his plea in U.S. District Court to one count of health care fraud, federal prosecutors announced. The plea agreement includes restitution and possible asset forfeiture.
According to court documents, from March 2020 to January 2022, Chapajong worked as both a personal care aide (PCA) and a community support worker (CSW), serving Medicaid beneficiaries across the District. PCA duties typically include assisting with daily living tasks, while CSWs provide mental health support.
Chapajong admitted to submitting false timesheets claiming he provided simultaneous services at different locations, billing for both in-person PCA visits and telephonic CSW care to multiple clients at the same time.
As a result of the fraudulent claims, the District’s Medicaid Program paid $113,243 for services that were not delivered.
U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss accepted the guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for January 7. Under federal guidelines, Chapajong faces up to one year in prison and a $40,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the D.C. Office of the Inspector General.
Chapajong also agreed to repay the full amount and may forfeit assets obtained through the fraud.