The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has unsealed two indictments against Patrick Britton-Harr, a South Carolina resident, alleging multi-million-dollar fraud schemes involving Medicare and a private charter jet company.
U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes announced the charges alongside officials from the Justice Department's Criminal Division, FBI, HHS-OIG, and DOT-OIG.
Britton-Harr is accused of exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic by offering unnecessary respiratory pathogen panel (RPP) tests through his company Provista Health to nursing home patients across the country. He allegedly billed Medicare over $15 million for these tests, with Medicare paying out more than $5 million.
Additionally, Britton-Harr allegedly defrauded customers of AeroVanti Inc., a private air club he owned. He is accused of collecting approximately $15 million from nearly 100 members under false pretenses and using those funds for personal expenses rather than purchasing aircraft as promised.
“It is unconscionable for someone to defraud the government and others for personal gain,” stated U.S. Attorney Hayes.
Matthew R. Galeotti added that Britton-Harr's actions demonstrate exploitation during a global crisis and fraud against American consumers.
Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno highlighted Britton-Harr’s repeated deceitful behavior, emphasizing the financial loss to taxpayers and the public.
HHS-OIG's Maureen R. Dixon reiterated their commitment to maintaining trust in federal health care programs while Greg Thompson from DOT-OIG underscored their dedication to pursuing those who exploit legitimate businesses like private aviation services.
Britton-Harr faces multiple counts of health care fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. If convicted, he could receive up to 20 years in prison per wire fraud count and 10 years per health care fraud and money laundering count.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
The investigation was conducted by FBI, HHS-OIG, and DOT-OIG with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ari D. Evans and Matthew P. Phelps along with Trial Attorneys David Peters and Chris Wenger from the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
