Baton Rouge Man Indicted For Fraud Against Healthcare Entities And Aggravated Identity Theft

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment against LARRY D. BUTLER, age 49, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The indictment charges the defendant with wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, false representation of a social security number, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B), and aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1). The indictment also includes a forfeiture allegation which requires the defendant to forfeit the proceeds of his fraud if convicted.

The indictment alleges that the defendant engaged in a scheme to defraud multiple healthcare entities from July 2013 through August 2014. The defendant allegedly used false credentials, false social security numbers, a false California driver’s license, and other false documentation in order to conceal his criminal history and obtain the pay and benefits associated with being employed by the victims. He also allegedly stole from the victims through the misuse of company credit cards for personal expenses, including furniture, travel, and meals. According to the indictment, the defendant sought to fraudulently obtain almost $300,000 through the scheme.

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.

NOTE: An indictment is an accusation by the Grand Jury. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.