Show-Me State Times

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Missouri has reported collections totaling $23.5 million in criminal and civil actions during Fiscal Year 2024. This sum includes $11 million from criminal actions and $12.5 million from civil actions, as announced by U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming.

In collaboration with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice, an additional $16.9 million was collected in jointly pursued cases, predominantly from civil actions.

Significant civil settlements include Total Access Urgent Care (TAUC) paying $9.1 million and Dr. Nehal Modh, a Festus pain management doctor, contributing $1.2 million due to allegations of false claims for medical services.

On the criminal side, nearly $1 million was collected from a case involving two Jefferson County chiropractors who facilitated disability fraud among their clients. So far, 27 patients have admitted guilt and are required to repay unlawfully obtained disability payments.

Furthermore, over $880,000 was recovered through garnishment of retirement accounts belonging to two doctors involved in separate criminal cases. Dr. Amy Swegan returned approximately $628,000 after admitting to accepting kickbacks related to a telemedicine fraud scheme. Dr. Ashu Joshi paid nearly $255,000 following his conviction for distributing child pornography involving a former patient's daughter.

“These cases show that our Financial Litigation Unit will aggressively pursue restitution for victims and taxpayers, even if it takes years after a case is resolved,” stated U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming.

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are tasked with enforcing and collecting debts owed to the United States and federal crime victims. Defendants must pay restitution to victims who have suffered physical injury or financial loss due to certain federal crimes; these funds go directly to the victims while fines contribute to the Crime Victims Fund supporting compensation programs.

Additionally, the office collected $5.6 million through asset forfeiture actions in FY 2024, with proceeds aiding crime victims and funding law enforcement activities.