Kyle Man Charged With Health Care Fraud

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Kyle, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft in Connection with Health Care, Health Care Fraud, False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters and Acquiring Controlled Substances by Fraud.

Dean L. Hodges, age 59, was indicted on February 19, 2014. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on February 24, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $400 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Hodges, while a pharmacist at the Indian Health Services Pharmacy, falsifying pharmacy records and taking Hydrocodone and Codeine for his own use between January and October 2013.

The charges are merely accusations and Hodges is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich is prosecuting the case.

Hodges was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has been set for April 29, 2014.