2024-06-28 DOJ SDNY press_release 114 KB 1,560 chars

Statement Of U.S. Attorney Damian Williams On The Conviction Of William Washington

Caption
United States v. Damian Williams, et al.
summary

Doctor William Washington was convicted by a unanimous jury of defrauding the NBA Players’ Health and Welfare Benefits Plan, causing over $5 million in losses.

paragraph

Doctor William Washington, a health‑care provider, was found guilty by a unanimous jury of participating in a scheme that defrauded the NBA Players’ Health and Welfare Benefits Plan. The conspiracy, which involved former NBA players and other providers, resulted in losses exceeding $5 million to the benefit plan. Washington was convicted of federal health‑care fraud and conspiracy offenses for facilitating false claims and betraying his professional oath.

narrative

On June 28, 2024, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams announced that Doctor William Washington had been convicted by a unanimous jury of a nationwide scheme to defraud the NBA Players’ Health and Welfare Benefits Plan. Washington, a licensed health‑care provider, worked with former NBA players—some of whom earned tens of millions during their careers—and other medical professionals to submit fraudulent claims for services that were unnecessary or never rendered. The fraudulent activity siphoned more than $5 million from the players’ health‑care benefit fund. Prosecutors charged Washington with federal health‑care fraud and conspiracy offenses, emphasizing that his actions violated both the law and his oath as a physician. The jury’s verdict found Washington guilty on all counts, confirming his role in facilitating the false claims. While the press release did not disclose a sentencing date or specific penalties, the conviction underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting athletes’ benefit programs from abuse.

Enriched metadata

Scheme
health-care-fraud (100%)
Court
Southern District of New York
Outcome
convicted
Classified health-care-fraud(confidence 100%). No EDGAR filing fingerprint (criminal/DOJ-side scheme). detection rule →
Parties
damian williamsDepartment of Justicedoctor william washingtonfederal crimesLauren ScarffNBA Players’ Health And Welfare Benefits Plannicholas biaseShelby Wratchfordunanimous juryU.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District Of New Yorkwilliam washington
Keywords
william washingtonlinkstatement damiandamian williamswilliams convictionconviction williamgovernment non-governmentnon-government sitessites typicallytypically appearappear externalexternal linklink iconicon indicateindicate leaving

Extracted insights

Dollar amounts 1
  • $5.00M $5 million $1M–$10M
Entities 12
  • person damian williams
  • organization Department of Justice
  • person doctor william washington
  • person federal crimes
  • person Lauren Scarff
  • organization NBA Players’ Health And Welfare Benefits Plan
  • person nicholas biase
  • person Shelby Wratchford
  • person unanimous jury
  • organization U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District Of New York
  • location Washington
  • person william washington
Triples 5
  • Unanimous Jury Found Guilty Doctor William Washington
  • Doctor William Washington Engaged In Widespread Scheme To Defraud The NBA Players' Health And Welfare Benefits Plan
  • Scam Caused Loss Of Over $5 Million To The Health Care Benefit Plan
  • Washington Stands Convicted Of Federal Crimes
  • Washington Facilitated Fraud
View original DOJ press releasejustice.gov
Extracted body text (1,560c)
Press Release Statement Of U.S. Attorney Damian Williams On The Conviction Of William Washington Friday, June 28, 2024 Share FacebookLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the “external link” icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. XLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the “external link” icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. LinkedInLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the “external link” icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. Email For Immediate Release U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York “Today, Doctor William Washington was found guilty by a unanimous jury of engaging in a widespread scheme to defraud the NBA Players’ Health and Welfare Benefits Plan. This scam by former players — some who earned tens of millions in successful NBA careers — and health care providers caused a loss of over $5 million to the health care benefit plan. The players and doctors who engaged in this audacious scheme clearly thought it would go unnoticed — they were wrong. Washington now stands convicted of federal crimes for facilitating fraud and betraying his oath as a health care provider.” Contact Nicholas Biase, Lauren Scarff, Shelby Wratchford (212) 637-2600 Updated June 28, 2024 Component USAO - New York, Southern Press Release Number: 24-237
OCR text (1,560c · html-text · 99% conf)
Press Release Statement Of U.S. Attorney Damian Williams On The Conviction Of William Washington Friday, June 28, 2024 Share FacebookLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the “external link” icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. XLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the “external link” icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. LinkedInLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the “external link” icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. Email For Immediate Release U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York “Today, Doctor William Washington was found guilty by a unanimous jury of engaging in a widespread scheme to defraud the NBA Players’ Health and Welfare Benefits Plan. This scam by former players — some who earned tens of millions in successful NBA careers — and health care providers caused a loss of over $5 million to the health care benefit plan. The players and doctors who engaged in this audacious scheme clearly thought it would go unnoticed — they were wrong. Washington now stands convicted of federal crimes for facilitating fraud and betraying his oath as a health care provider.” Contact Nicholas Biase, Lauren Scarff, Shelby Wratchford (212) 637-2600 Updated June 28, 2024 Component USAO - New York, Southern Press Release Number: 24-237