SF Hospital Scam Lawsuit Targets Chavez Housemate [Albuquerque Journal, N.M.]
By Colleen Heild, Albuquerque Journal, N.M. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Meanwhile, there were conflicting accounts Thursday as to how long the office of state Attorney General
King's office said several months, but hospital officials said they presented information to the AG in 2008.
Chavez, a Democrat and former three-term
"Their relationship didn't start until the spring of 2009," said
He said Chavez first learned about the allegations in a Journal story this week.
Chavez and Mares were to host an "End of Quarter Holiday Fun (d) raiser" at their
"Obviously, this is a rough week for Loretta, so the location has changed," Packman said Thursday.
Chavez, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the
The hospital contends it lost millions through phony billings from 2002 to 2007. The loss came to light in a lawsuit filed last week by the hospital's insurance company, which is seeking to recoup the money.
Mares, also known as
The complaint filed in
It also alleges:
The billings related to information technology hardware or software or for services that either weren't provided or that were billed in amounts grossly in excess of their limited value.
The scheme to defraud the hospital began soon after Crabtree was hired by the hospital in 2002.
Crabtree at the time had "an existing relationship with defendant Mares predating his employment by
The alleged false billings date from
Asked about the lawsuit earlier this week, Mares told the Journal ," It doesn't make any sense at all."
She didn't return a message seeking comment Thursday.
Crabtree, who is believed to have moved to
AG discrepancy
Attorney general spokeswoman
But through a hospital spokesman,
Asked to explain the discrepancy in dates, hospital spokesman
"We can say that since we contacted the AG's office in 2008, their personnel have clearly been very active, having made numerous requests for information including many thousands of pages of documents.
He added: "Through our counsel we have fully cooperated and have been pleased with the AG's diligence. We will not address this matter further as we do not want to in any way interfere with the AG's efforts."
Asked to explain the discrepancy, Southard said her office's policy is not to comment about ongoing investigations.
Packman had no immediate information on where Mares works or any details about her business.
The lawsuit contends she has or had an ownership interest two firms that did business with the hospital under
It was unclear when the reimbursement was made.
Discovery of losses
The losses weren't discovered by the hospital until early 2008, according to an email
According to the email:
A manila envelope was delivered to
He then asked hospital counsel
Crabtree was placed on leave several weeks into the investigation and was ultimately terminated for cause.
"I was, and still am, shocked and angry at the Breach of Trust,"
He added that some "have been cynical or skeptical that we would do anything or that we would just 'sweep this under the rug.'
"As a result of the filing of the Complaint, you now know that we did, in fact, fully pursue this matter and have sought not only recoupment, but justice."
The email said the matter had been turned over to the "authorities. At their request, I will not comment on who they are or if and when they may pursue an action."
Journal North Editor
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