Baton Rouge Man Convicted of Fraud against Healthcare Entities and False Representation of a Social Security Number

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that LARRY D. BUTLER, age 49, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has pled guilty to two counts of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, and false representation of a social security number, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B), contained in a Superseding Indictment that was returned this past November. BUTLER also agreed to forfeit the proceeds of his fraud.

According to the stipulated factual basis that was presented to the Court in connection with BUTLER’s guilty pleas, BUTLER engaged in a scheme to defraud two healthcare entities – the Louisiana Health Cooperative, Inc. and the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center – from July 2013 through August 2014. As BUTLER admitted, he used false credentials, a false social security number, and other false documentation to conceal his criminal history and obtain the pay and benefits associated with being employed by the victims. BUTLER also stole from the victims through the misuse of company credit cards for personal expenses including furniture, travel, and meals. BUTLER acknowledged today in Court that he obtained more than $70,000 through the scheme.

At the conclusion of today’s hearing, the Court accepted BUTLER’s guilty pleas and remanded BUTLER to the custody of the United States Marshal. BUTLER’s sentencing hearing has not been scheduled.

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the U.S. Secret Service, and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, along with the cooperation and assistance of the District Attorney’s Office for the Nineteenth Judicial District. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Crosswell.