SHERMAN, TX – The owner and a senior executive of an Addison-based healthcare billing company have pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges in connection with a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme targeting the healthcare system.
Mouzon Bass III, 60, of Highland Park, and Lance Wilson, 57, of Allen, entered their guilty pleas this week before U.S. Magistrate Judge Aileen Goldman Durrett in federal court. Both men worked for Vivature, a healthcare billing company based in Addison.
Bass, who served as the sole owner and president of Vivature, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Wilson, a senior executive at the company, pleaded guilty to two counts of the same charge, according to U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
The Department of Justice has not yet released specific details about the nature of the fraud conspiracy or how much money was allegedly stolen from healthcare programs. Federal prosecutors typically reveal more details about such schemes during sentencing proceedings.
Both defendants now face substantial prison sentences. Federal law allows for up to 20 years in prison for each count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In addition to potential incarceration, Bass and Wilson could face significant financial penalties including fines and orders to pay restitution to victims.
Healthcare billing fraud has become a major focus for federal prosecutors, as schemes involving Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies cost taxpayers and patients billions of dollars annually. Companies like Vivature typically handle billing and administrative services for healthcare providers.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anand Varadarajan and Adrian Garcia from the Northern District of Texas. No sentencing dates have been announced for either defendant.
Both Bass and Wilson remain free pending their sentencing hearings, which will be scheduled at a later date. Federal judges typically consider factors including the scope of the fraud, cooperation with investigators, and criminal history when determining sentences in white-collar cases.
