Copyright The Oregonian
A Grants Pass service provider for intellectually and developmentally disabled Oregonians has settled health care fraud allegations with the state. Under the settlement with the Oregon Department of Justice, Rever Grand pleaded no contest Monday to one count of making a false claim for health care payment and will go on probation for up to four years, after which the state will seek to close the case with no guilty finding. According to the settlement terms, the company will enlist an outside monitor to confirm its prior owners, who still face criminal charges for Medicaid fraud, retain no role in its business. Rever Grand hires what are known as direct support professionals to provide services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But the company and leaders were indicted a year ago on health care fraud charges for allegedly enriching themselves on Medicaid dollars. A DOJ spokesperson did not immediately respond to a question about how much money Rever Grand obtained through the alleged fraud. It’s one of the largest such providers in Oregon. Scott Mullins, attorney for Rever Grand, said the company serves approximately 1,500 clients and employs 2,000 workers. Attorney General Dan Rayfield said the settlement strikes a balance between accountability and safeguarding the company’s clients. “Our goal is to make sure that every person receiving support can trust the system that serves them,” Rayfield said, “and that companies providing care are doing right by the people in their communities.” Former owner Raymond Parenteau and wife Jolene Sesso, who co-founded and previously managed the business, still face charges for racketeering, money laundering, tax evasion, making a false claim for health care payment and aggravated theft for funneling “ill-gotten Medicaid funds to themselves,” according to the Department of Justice. The new owner and president, Nathan Junkin, took control of Rever Grand in January. In a statement, Junkin said he has worked with state officials to address the problems that arose from Parenteau and Sesso’s time at the company. “I believe in the good and honest people who work here,” Junkin said. “I am thrilled we’ve reached an amicable resolution with the State, as it allows us to continue to strengthen our communities and to provide growth and opportunities to so many people. We are looking to the future, not the past.”
