Providence Grand Jury Indicts Seven for Medicaid Fraud
The group faces 51 counts for allegedly orchestrating a $2 million fraudulent healthcare billing scheme.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Financial Crime
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A grand jury has indicted seven individuals on 51 counts involving a Medicaid fraud scheme centered in Providence. Prosecutors allege the group submitted $2 million in illicit claims through a local agency.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns regarding the integrity of Medicaid billing, as the agency allegedly sought funds for non-existent services to support the owner's personal expenses.
The seven defendants face 51 counts, including racketeering and identity theft, following a state investigation. Shanee Vega currently faces a $50,000 bail amount related to the charges.
The players
Shanee Vega
She served as the owner, CEO, and sole biller for U'Nique Diversity Innovations LLC.
U'Nique Diversity Innovations LLC
This health agency based on Branch Avenue in Providence was the center of the alleged fraud scheme.
Michael Pete
He is one of the seven individuals indicted for his alleged role in the healthcare fraud scheme.
Nitasia Burgess
She is accused alongside other defendants of backdating employee training certificates.
Larry Fisher
He is named in the indictment and accused of participating in the fraudulent certification process.
The details
The agency, U'Nique Diversity Innovations LLC on Branch Avenue, allegedly utilized artificial intelligence to generate fake patient notes and recruited beneficiaries with cash bonuses. Prosecutors claim the owner, Shanee Vega, spent company funds on personal items like cosmetic dentistry.
Timeline
Fraudulent claims were submitted from November 2024 to June 2025.
State authorities confirmed an investigation into the concerns in June 2025.
The Attorney General announced the indictments in October 2026.
Legal Context
The investigation follows established Medicaid fraud reporting protocols, confirming the state's focus on healthcare accountability. This case reflects a broader effort by authorities to combat exploitation of public health programs through advanced forensic auditing.
The indictments serve as a notice regarding the monitoring of community health worker certifications in the city. Residents should remain vigilant about legitimate healthcare services and reporting suspicious billing activities.
The takeaway
Healthcare providers must ensure all billing practices and staff certifications strictly adhere to state regulations. Consumers are encouraged to review their medical records regularly to ensure services claimed were actually received.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to combat fraud in the Providence Financial Crime section.
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