Jason M. Frierson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada
An obstetrician-gynecologist based in Reno, Dr. Samuel R. Chacon, appeared in court today following his arrest on charges of health care fraud and making false statements related to health care matters. According to the indictment, Dr. Chacon owned Women’s Health Center of Reno and previously held surgical privileges at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center and Renown Regional Medical Center.
Court documents allege that between January 1, 2017, and November 22, 2022, Dr. Chacon submitted false claims to several health care benefit programs—including Medicaid, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthcare Solutions, Health Plan of Nevada, Molina Healthcare of Nevada, Silversummit Healthplan, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nevada, Cigna Healthcare—and others for unnecessary gynecologic procedures and tests. These allegedly included hysterectomies, bladder sling procedures, ultrasounds, physical therapy sessions, and other interventions.
The indictment further alleges that Dr. Chacon falsified patient medical records by including symptoms patients did not report and misrepresented diagnoses to justify unwarranted medical procedures. Some patients reportedly suffered serious bodily injury as a result.
“FBI Las Vegas is determined to hold bad actors in healthcare accountable for exploiting our healthcare programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Division. “Those who commit illegal acts such as false claims and fraudulent services, prioritizing greed over the well-being of others, will face the full force of the law. The overwhelming fraud uncovered in this investigation reveals a blatant disregard for America's critical healthcare program, Medicaid. The FBI is committed to pursuing justice relentlessly on behalf of the victim patients and taxpayers, ensuring that anyone who abuses the healthcare system for personal gain will be held accountable.”
A grand jury indicted Dr. Chacon on one count of health care fraud and eight counts of making false statements regarding health care matters. He was arrested earlier today; a jury trial is set for November 18, 2025 before United States District Judge Anne R. Traum.
If found guilty on all charges, Dr. Chacon could face up to 20 years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines.
Acting United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada joined Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto in announcing the case details.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI along with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General; Assistant United States Attorney Andolyn Johnson will prosecute.
Authorities encourage individuals who believe they may have been affected by Dr. Chacon’s actions or those with relevant information to contact investigators through a designated online form.
Officials remind that an indictment is an allegation only; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
