Court Sentences Two in Kansas Pharmacy Fraud Scheme
Federal authorities sentenced two individuals to 24 months in prison for operating a fraudulent Medicare scheme in Lawrence.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Financial Crime
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A federal court in Kansas sentenced Steven Anthony Churchill and Samson Kollelil Solomon to 24 months in prison for their roles in a health care fraud scheme. The defendants were ordered to repay $897,405 in fraudulent Medicare claims.
Why it matters
The case highlights the dangers of mail-order pharmacies exploiting telemedicine platforms to prioritize high-margin prescriptions over patient care. This fraud operation utilized a network of physicians and consultant services to bill federal programs for unnecessary services.
Steven Anthony Churchill and Samson Kollelil Solomon each received 24-month prison sentences for the scheme. Officials ordered the defendants to repay $897,405 in fraudulent Medicare payments.
The players
Steven Anthony Churchill
He was an owner of Free State Pharmacy who acquired the business in March 2020.
Samson Kollelil Solomon
He was a participant in the health care fraud scheme who received a 24-month prison sentence.
Fawn Lickteig
She is a co-defendant in the pharmacy fraud case awaiting a sentencing hearing scheduled for November 2026.
The details
The defendants operated Free State Pharmacy in Lawrence, Kansas, by falsely registering it as a retail facility to process mail-order claims. Between September 2020 and February 2021, the group submitted 2,699 false claims, including 381 for Kansas residents and 948 for Florida patients, by obtaining beneficiary information through telemedicine companies.
Timeline
March 2020: Steven Churchill acquired Free State Pharmacy.
September 2020 to February 2021: The defendants submitted 2,699 false insurance claims.
October 22, 2026: Two defendants received prison sentences.
November 10, 2026: Fawn Lickteig is scheduled for sentencing.
Legal Context
This sentencing follows a pattern of enforcement actions under the False Claims Act to recover taxpayer funds. Prosecutors continue to target entities that manipulate federal health programs through fraudulent billing of unnecessary services.
The investigation highlights ongoing risks to residents who utilize mail-order pharmacies that may operate without oversight. Authorities continue to monitor such facilities to protect the integrity of Medicare programs for all eligible recipients.
The takeaway
Patients should always verify the legitimacy of their pharmacy and medical providers, especially when receiving dermatological products through telehealth. Ensuring your prescriptions come from reputable sources helps prevent the growth of large-scale billing fraud.
What happens next
Fawn Lickteig is scheduled to be sentenced by the federal court on November 10, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to combat fraud in the Kansas Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Salina Post.
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