Feds Bust Medicare Fraud Ring In Houston Area

HOUSTON—Federal authorities arrested 27 people in Houston Wednesday in a major Medicare fraud bust that spanned across the country.

Medicare fraud raid

Investigators claim the suspects were scamming Medicare by falsely billing for medical items that were not needed or never used.

Arrests were also made in New York, Boston and Louisiana. In all, 32 people were taken into custody.

More than 200 agents worked on Wednesday’s $16 million bust, which included 12 search warrants at health care businesses and homes across the Houston area.

One of those businesses was Memorial Medical Supply on Dairy Ashford and I-10.

Shocked employees were met by federal agents when they arrived at work.

Federal agents raided several locations in Houston after a nationwide investigation into Medicare fraud.
The agents confiscated paperwork and a computer.

They were also seen removing boxes of evidence from the business.

Federal authorities say the businesses were giving patients “arthritis kits,” which were nothing more than expensive orthotics, including knee and shoulder braces. Patients told authorities they were unnecessary, and many never used them. But health care clinic owners billed $3,000 - $4,000 for each kit.

Houston’s other scam involved billing Medicare for thousands of dollars worth of liquid food for patients who can’t eat solids. Authorities said clinic owners never distributed the food to patients. In some cases, clinic owners billed patients who were dead when they allegedly received the items.

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Michael Jackson's Houston Doctor Manslaughter Probe

The feds raided the Las Vegas home and clinic of Michael Jackson's doctor Tuesday as sources said he admitted giving the pop icon the powerful anesthetic propofol.
The manslaughter probe appeared to be ratcheting up as Drug Enforcement Administration agents entered Dr. Conrad Murray's posh mansion and medical office days after they raided his Houston clinic.

Law enforcement sources said Monday that they believe Jackson was killed by a dose of propofol and that Murray, 51, administered the drug.

The Associated Press reported Tuesday that Murray told investigators that he did give Jackson propofol to help him sleep several times, including the day he died.

The dangerous drug, which Jackson is said to have received regularly for about two years, is only supposed to be delivered by a hospital anesthesiologist. Murray is the focus of the probe into Jackson's June 25 death.
Court records said agents who searched Murray's Houston clinic last week were searching for "items constituting evidence of the offense of manslaughter that tend to show that Dr. Conrad Murray committed the said criminal offense."

Read more HERE.

Gallery Furniture Fire Arson Suspect Arrested

Investigators have arrested a man in connection with a fire at Gallery Furniture’s warehouse on May 21.

The fire had since been ruled as arson.

Robert Gillham, a former Gallery Furniture employee, is being charged with first-degree felony arson, according to a joint press conference Tuesday by the Houston Fire Department Fire and Arson Division and The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

“All of us are breathing easier, now that an arrest has been made,” said Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, founder of Gallery Furniture.

According to the Houston Fire Department, the Gallery Furniture fire is one of the highest-dollar-loss fires it has investigated, with an estimated loss of between $18 million and $20 million.

Messina Hof moves into another generation Greater Houston Weekly Top Of The Week Houston Community Newspapers Online - News Around Town

Messina Hof moves into another generation Greater Houston Weekly Top Of The Week Houston Community Newspapers Online - News Around Town

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Houston Man Sought In Shooting

Houston police are looking for a man accused of shooting another man to death in the parking lot of a Blalock apartment complex early Saturday.

The victim was sitting in a parked car in front of the Springbrook Village Apartments, in northwest Houston, when police say a man approached him with a pistol around 2:30 a.m. Saturday. Police say the two men argued, then struggled over the pistol, which discharged, shooting the victim.

The shooter got into a car with another man and drove down Blalock, but returned a short time later to where the victim still sat in his car, bleeding from the gunshot wound. The suspect then shot him several more times, killing him, and drove off again, police say.

They are looking for the getaway car, a black or blue Chrysler 300, and ask anyone with information about the shooting to call the Homicide Division at 713-308-3600.

Houstonians gather, watch Jackson memorial

During his memorial in Los Angeles, Michael Jackson was called ‘The King,” musical and magical. Here in Houston talk of Michael Jackson lit up the radio waves.

“He’s like a family member that you don’t know, but he was always there because the music was always in the background,” said KRBE radio host Ayana Mack.

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At the University of Houston, some people felt Jackson’s star had lost its shine.

“I think the memories I have are of seeing a very talented young man hitting a peak in his life and sort of falling off a cliff,” said U of H librarian Alexandra Simons.

Others like Loretta Wallace were not thrilled by the media attention Jackson’s death and memorial received.

“Our president’s in Russia and what he’s trying to negotiate now we should be paying more attention to than that (Jackson memorial),” said U of H librarian Loretta Wallace.

At the Breakfast Klub, the focus shifted from the food to the TV screens.

“Everyone in the world has been moved by Michael Jackson’s music,” said Kenneth Singleton.

“I think he’s the best,” said Winter Valery. “...the best singer in the world.”

And it was a world that gathered around their TV screens and radios to say goodbye together.

The University of Houston-University Park is holding a celebration of Michael Jackson’s life from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Lynn Eusan Park which is on campus.

Updated: Houston Area 4th of July Fireworks Events

HOUSTON—The 4th of July means fireworks across the U.S. and Houston is no exception.

There are dozens of celebrations in our area, but the largest is the Freedom over Texas festival this weekend. It is presented by Shell.

The free event is at Eleanor Tinsley Park. This year, organizers are honoring Houston’s military heroes and the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Country singer, Texas native Clay Walker will be the main act. He will take the stage at 8 p.m. Right after that at 9:30, fireworks will light the sky.

If you’re thinking about heading there you should know about some road that will be closed.

On Thursday, a couple of lanes along Allen Parkway were closed. They include roads between Taft Street and downtown.

Also, starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Allen Parkway will be completely closed to traffic.

If you’re in The Woodlands, there are several events where you can celebrate.

First there is the Star-Spangled Salute which is being held Friday night at the Cynthia Wood Mitchell Pavilion.

You’ll hear patriotic music presented by the Houston Symphony.

Friday at 9 a.m. you can see the South Montgomery Parade which runs through The Woodlands Town Center and Market Street.

Finally, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. you can head to the Red, Hot and Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza at Town Green Park and Waterway Square.

There’s also a lot to celebrate in Fort Bend County Saturday, July 4 th.

In Sugar Land, the festivities include The Red White and Blue Fest at Oyster Creek Park. Those events begin Saturday and run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The city of Stafford and the Fort Bend Symphony will celebrate by treating the public to a free patriotic concert.

Freedom Rings 2009 will be held at the Stafford Centre and starts at 5 p.m.

In Missouri City, the public is being treated to a July 4 celebration at Buffalo Run Park.

The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. and the fireworks blare into the night sky at 9.

Chevy Freedom Over Texas Fireworks
Location: Eleanor Tinsley Park
website: www.chevysfreedomovertexas.com
This is by far the largest celebration in the city of Houston, and the fireworks display is one of the biggest in the state. Montgomery Gentry will headline. The festival starts at 4 p.m. with performances by local acts. If you don't feel like braving the crowds, you don't have to miss our on the fun; just tune in to ABC13 from the solitude of your couch.

The Houston Symphony 4th of July Celebration
Location: Miller Outdoor Theatre, Herman Park
Led by principal pops conductor Michael Krajewski. Enjoy an All-American salute to commemorate Independence Day, and end the evening with fireworks presented by the Miller Theatre Advisory Board.

Sam Houston Race Park
website: www.shrp.com
The park celebrates Independence Day with special family-friendly activities and a spectacular fireworks display.

Firecracker Hotbox
Location: Gulf Greyhound Park
website: www.gulfgreyhound.com
Come see some of the nation's hottest greyhounds compete.

Kemah Boardwalk
website: www.kemahboardwalk.com
The 4th of July fireworks launch at 9:30 p.m.

SplashTown Fireworks Spectacular
website: www.splashtownpark.com
The park sends up the explosives after dusk.