Richmond-area man billed Medicaid for mental health services he never provided: DOJ

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A Richmond-area man was found guilty of repeatedly billing Medicaid for mental health services he never actually provided over the course of several years.

On Monday, Dec. 15, a federal jury convicted 43-year-old George Nathaniel Boykins of North Chesterfield on charges of health care fraud and aggravated identity theft, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

Boykins was a Qualified Mental Health Professional authorized to bill Medicaid for Mental Health Skill-Building Services (MHSS). As a result of his actions, from at least July 2013 until July 2019, Boykins' employers submitted Medicaid claims for MHSS services he never provided.

Court documents outline a few examples of this fraud, such as instances in which Boykins reported providing MHSS services in Richmond while he was actually out of the country.

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Further, while working for multiple employers -- who were all unaware that he was employed by other service providers -- Boykins reported providing MHSS services to different patients at the same times and on the same dates.

"On one occasion, while Boykins was under investigation, Boykins billed Medicaid for in-person services he claimed to have provided at the same time he was being interviewed by law enforcement," the DOJ said in a press release.

Boykins faces up to 12 years in prison, with the mandatory minimum for his charges being two years. He will be sentenced on April 8, 2026.

“Today’s conviction should send a strong message to those providers who put greed in front of patient care,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), in the release. “Alongside our law enforcement partners and with steadfast dedication, HHS-OIG will continue to pursue those who commit health care fraud and steal from federal programs.”