(LEBANON, Ohio) – Attorney General Mike DeWine and Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell said that Rebecca L. Green (formerly Butcher), 51, a former Warren County Department of Human Services supervisor, pled guilty today to three counts of Theft in Office and two counts of Tampering with Records.
"We are focused on protecting Ohioans from corruption," said Attorney General DeWine. "By rallying the resources of my office and working with local and federal law enforcement, we will continue to work hard to see that those eligible for care receive it and taxpayer money is not stolen."
Green was ordered to pay restitution of $146,300 to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and sentenced to four years in prison: three years total for the counts of Theft in Office consecutive to one year total for the counts of Tampering with Records.
Green, who was arrested on April 13, pleaded guilty to stealing money paid by Medicaid recipients in order to meet their spend-down amounts – required to receive Medicaid – from 2008 to 2010. During 2009-2011, she falsified, altered, or destroyed governmental paper and computer records to make persons wrongly eligible for Medicaid and food stamp assistance. This led to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services paying tens of thousands of dollars in benefits.
"Without question, the overwhelming majority of public employees are honest, hardworking professionals who are dedicated to performing the services entrusted to them by the public," said Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell. "Unfortunately, Ms. Butcher broke that trust, and in the process damaged the reputations of her co-workers, the Department of Human Services, and Warren County government itself.
"Ms. Butcher has now admitted to her conduct, received an appropriate prison sentence for her crimes, and is responsible for paying back the money she stole from the Department of Human Services. I am satisfied that justice has been served in this case."
Attorney General DeWine's Health Care Fraud Section worked with the Warren County Prosecutor's Office, the Warren County Sheriff's Office, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General on the case.
To report suspected Medicaid fraud, visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov, or call 800-282-0515.
Media Contacts:
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Mark Moretti: 614-466-3840