For Immediate Release

SAINT PAUL, MN – The work of government, including law enforcement and state fraud investigators, continues even in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Minnesota Department of Commerce Fraud Bureau (CFB) announced that insurance fraud charges have been filed by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office in two separate cases.

“The State of Minnesota remains vigilant in protecting consumers and enforcing laws even in these challenging times,” said Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley. “Insurance fraud makes insurance premiums more expensive for all Minnesotans.”

“Now more than ever, the citizens of Minnesota are counting on us to have their back,” added Commissioner Kelley.

In one case, Kyle Randall of Champlin is charged with insurance fraud and theft for submitting more than $22,000 worth of fictitious invoices for unsubstantiated medical treatment.

In another case, Danielle Nelson of Minneapolis is charged with one count of insurance fraud and one count of controlled substance in the 5th degree – fraud, deceit, stemming from her stealing and issuing hundreds of prescriptions.

Both cases were investigated by the Commerce Fraud Bureau. The CFB is a law enforcement agency within the Minnesota Department of Commerce charged with conducting criminal investigations involving insurance fraud and related crimes. The CFB regularly works in partnership with local, federal and other state law enforcement agencies.

The criminal complaint for Mr. Randall alleges that in 2019 he submitted fraudulent billing invoices for medical treatment. The investigation notes more than a dozen fraudulent invoices were submitted for treatment that was not given. The complaint was made by Travelers Indemnity Company and shared with the CFB.

The criminal complaint for Ms. Nelson alleges that between February 2015 and November 2017 she was falsely writing prescriptions for herself. The investigation by CFB estimates that a total of 315 prescriptions, which consisted of schedule II and IV controlled substances totaling more than 16,000 pills, were filled by fraudulent means during this timeframe.

Criminal complaints and indictments stemming from CFB investigations, including those noted above, are posted online.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

With You Every Day

Wherever you are in Minnesota, the Department of Commerce is with you every day. Whether you’re filling up on gas, purchasing a home, working to reduce energy consumption or rebuilding after a disaster—we are with you, no matter what.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce oversees more than 20 regulated industries, ensuring that Minnesota businesses are strong and Minnesota consumers are protected. Our mission is to protect the public interest, advocate for Minnesota consumers, ensure a strong, competitive and fair marketplace, strengthen the state’s economic future and serve as a trusted public resource for consumers and businesses. 

Contact:
Brian Strub
Assistant Director of Communications
E: brian.strub@state.mn.us
O: 651-539-1464