06/04/2026

Federal, State Officials Announce New Partnership in 'War' Against Fraud

The state and federal government are at war against fraud in Ohio, acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said Thursday at a news conference in central Ohio.

"And this is a war we will win," Blanche continued.

Blanche delivered that message alongside other federal and state officials at a press conference at Defense Supply Center Columbus while announcing a "historic fraud-fighting partnership with state of Ohio officials."

Details of the federal-state partnership touted by officials include new data sharing facilitated by Secretary of State Frank LaRose's office, State Auditor Keith Faber's application to a Department of Justice grant program to detail special prosecutors to the DOJ Fraud Division, and State Treasurer Robert Sprague's joining of a statewide benefits fraud enforcement task force initiated by the U.S. attorney's office.

Officials also announced several new indictments that Blanche said represent charges against 14 individuals alleging schemes targeting more than $50 million in Ohio, according to Blanche.

Blanche called it "staggering but just the tip of the iceberg both in Ohio and nationwide."

Appearing alongside him were FBI Director Kash Patel and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz, along with state officials Attorney General Dave Yost and Faber.

At the press conference, the suspension of 49 Medicaid providers was announced, though the list is yet to be published. These suspensions come two weeks behind Governor DeWine’s announcement of a statewide moratorium for home health and hospice providers. LeadingAge is continuing to monitor this emerging story.