Colorado Medicaid Fraud: Two Individuals Charged in Separate Cases

Two Colorado business owners are facing federal charges for allegedly defrauding the state’s Medicaid program through their non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) businesses. The cases, announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado and the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, involve allegations of submitting fraudulent claims for rides that either never occurred or were not for legitimate medical purposes.

Ashley Stevens of Mesa County

Ashley Marie Stevens, 40, of Mesa County, is accused of defrauding Colorado Medicaid through her business, Armistead Twin Rides. According to indictments, Stevens billed the program for over $400,000 in services, including rides for herself and family members that were not related to medical appointments. Prosecutors allege that some rides were billed as excessively long distances and others were claimed for services that were never rendered. Approximately $150,000 was allegedly billed for rides with no medical connection.

Stevens faces six counts of wire fraud, 11 counts of health care fraud, and six counts of money laundering. The Department of Justice reports that the fraudulently obtained funds were reportedly used for travel and the purchase of a luxury vehicle. The indictment against Stevens was issued in December 2025.

Wesam Yassin of Douglas County

Wesam Yassin, 42, of Douglas County, is too facing similar charges related to his business, Sama Limo. Prosecutors claim Yassin billed Medicaid approximately $283,000 for rides, including 64 rides for a single beneficiary, with $165,000 of those charges occurring after the beneficiary’s death. CBS News reports that Yassin allegedly used the fraudulent funds to purchase a home, furnishings, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and to pay for cosmetic surgery.

Yassin is charged with six counts of wire fraud, 11 counts of health care fraud, and eight counts of money laundering. He was indicted in January 2026.

Investigation and Prosecution

The cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG). The HHS OIG confirmed the charges. Personnel from the Colorado Medicaid Fraud Abuse and Neglect Unit are assisting the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Colorado, with the prosecution.

About Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services provide rides to individuals, often those without personal vehicles, to and from medical appointments and treatments. These services are reimbursed by Medicaid, helping to ensure access to healthcare for vulnerable populations.