The executive director of an autism center in suburban Chicago faces federal fraud charges related to potentially illegal billing practices, according to the Department of Justice.
Latrice Harrell, operator of The Champion Center for Autism in Oak Forest, Ill., was indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly billing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois for therapeutic services that weren't rendered. According to the indictment, Ms. Harrell billed false claims by using the names and information of the center's occupational therapist and behavioral analyst without their knowledge. She fraudulently obtained at least $1.6 million from BCBS of Illinois, according to the DOJ.
Ms. Harrell pleaded not guilty to the charges. A hearing is scheduled for Nov. 18.
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