OAKLAND, Calif. — California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta revealed that seven people have been arrested in Monterey County on various felony charges related to a $3.2 million hospice fraud operation aimed at Medi-Cal and Medicare. Those charged include the proprietor of Compassionate Touch Hospice and Spiritual Touch Hospice, two co-owners of Fountain Hospice, three physicians, and a nurse.
“This case proves that California is taking fraud seriously,” Bonta said. “Abusing systems meant to support Californians, and putting profits before people and their families, won’t be tolerated. We’re watching, investigating, and we’ll act.”
The arrests are the result of a lengthy investigation conducted by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) along with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, initiated after a referral from the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Investigators claim that a complex conspiracy was in play, where the defendants enlisted and certified patients for hospice services despite them not being terminally ill. Some patients were reportedly unaware that they had been enrolled in hospice care.
To evade detection, it is said that patients were moved between the three hospice companies after a period of six months, which enabled the defendants to keep billing government programs in a fraudulent manner.
The estimated total losses to Medi-Cal and Medicare amount to $3,211,419.79. On January 30, 2026, felony charges were filed in Monterey County Superior Court, which include false or fraudulent claims, conspiracy to commit a crime, and an aggravated white-collar enhancement.
The arrested individuals are:
- Nimfa Molina, Head Nurse
- Luis Artavia, Medical Director
- Mark Samonte, Medical Director
- Shomir Banerjee, Medical Director
- Danny Lodevico, Owner
- Flor Mora, Owner
- Christine Nugiud-Yem, Owner
Authorities noted that criminal charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
