A federal jury has recently convicted a Missouri state lawmaker for a $900,000 fraud scheme involving the COVID-19 program.
Patricia "Tricia" Ashton Derges, 64, of Nixa, Mo., was also convicted of a second $200,000 fraud operation in which she made false statements regarding a stem cell treatment marketed through her clinics in southern Missouri, according to a June 28 Department of Justice news release.
“This is an elected official who stole money from the public, a purported humanitarian who cheated and lied to her patients and a medical professional who illegally distributed drugs," U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore said in the release. "She violated her position of trust to selfishly enrich herself at the expense of others. But a jury of her peers, in a unanimous verdict, saw through her smokescreen of excuses and ridiculous claims, and now she will be held accountable for her criminal behavior.”
Derges is licensed as a physician's assistant and manages three Ozark Valley Medical Clinic facilities in Springfield, Ozark and Branson, Mo., for profit, according to the release. Additionally, she runs a medical and dental clinic in Springfield for the non-profit organization Lift Up Someone Today Inc. She was elected in 2020 as a state representative in Christian County.
“Derges betrayed the confidence entrusted in her as both an elected lawmaker and an assistant physician," Charles Dayoub, special agent in charge of FBI Kansas City, said in the release. "She took advantage of a global pandemic to benefit herself financially with complete disregard, not only to her constituents but to the oath she took as a health care professional to do no harm."
Derges was found guilty of 10 counts of wire fraud, 10 counts of selling medications online without a prescription and two counts of making false statements to federal agents, the release reported.
"Today’s verdict, decided by a jury of her peers, is a direct message to those who wish to profit on the backs of others: the FBI will vigorously pursue any individual who abuses their position of power and the trust of Missourians for their own gain,” Dayoub added, according to the release.
"By putting personal profit before the health and welfare of her constituents, this official egregiously violated the duties of her position as an elected public servant," Curt L. Muller, special agent in charge with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, said in the release.
