Defending Against Mail Fraud Allegations Under 18 U.S.C. Section 1341
Experienced Federal Lawyers Defending Clients in Mail Fraud Investigations
When facing potential charges under the federal healthcare fraud statute (18 U.S.C. Section 1347), the False Claims Act, the Anti-Kickback Statute, the Stark Law, or any of the other various statutes that federal prosecutors use to target healthcare providers, it is common to face charges under 18 U.S.C. section 1341 as well. This is the federal “mail fraud” statute; and, under the statute’s broad language, most healthcare-related offenses will also involve some element of mail fraud. With severe penalties (on top of those for healthcare fraud or any other underlying substantive offense), facing mail fraud charges is an extremely serious matter, and one that requires skilled, knowledgeable, and aggressive legal representation.
Mail Fraud in Healthcare Fraud Investigations
Originally drafted in 1948, the statutory language of 18 U.S.C. Section 1341 is difficult to comprehend. Additionally, its use of general terminology has led to extraordinarily broad interpretation and application, and this makes it a potent weapon for federal prosecutors seeking to bring charges and maximize the penalties that are on the table. The law states, in relevant part:
“Whoever, having devised or intending to devise any scheme or artifice to defraud, or for obtaining money or property by means of false or fraudulent pretenses . . . or attempting so to do, places in any post office or authorized depository for mail matter, any matter or thing whatever to be sent or delivered by the Postal Service, or deposits or causes to be deposited any matter or thing whatever to be sent or delivered by any private or commercial interstate carrier, or takes or receives therefrom, any such matter or thing, or knowingly causes to be delivered by mail or such carrier according to the direction thereon, or at the place at which it is directed to be delivered by the person to whom it is addressed, any such matter or thing, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.”
Breaking this language down, you can see just how often various forms of alleged healthcare fraud will also trigger mail fraud allegations under 18 U.S.C. Section 1341:
1. “Having Devised or Intending to Devise any Scheme or Artifice to Defraud . . . or Attempting So to Do”
18 U.S.C. Section 1341 is potentially applicable in all cases of alleged fraud. This includes not only cases of successful fraud (i.e., overbilling Medicare, Tricare, or a private insurer), but also cases involving conspiracy and attempt to commit healthcare fraud. Healthcare fraud is broadly defined in the federal healthcare fraud statute, 18 U.S.C. Section 1347, and federal prosecutors will frequently pursue fraud charges under other healthcare-specific and non-healthcare-specific laws as well.
2. “To Be Sent or Delivered by the Postal Service, or . . . By Any Private or Commercial Interstate Carrier”
While commonly referred to as the “mail fraud” statute, 18 U.S.C. 1341 applies to the use of any method of physical delivery (electronic delivery is addressed separately in the federal wire fraud statute, 18 U.S.C. Section 1343). As a result, use of the United States Postal Service, Federal Express (FedEx), United Parcel Service (UPS), or any other private shipping or courier service can trigger liability under 18 U.S.C. Section 1341.
The mail fraud statute applies to all aspects and all stages of attempted and successfully-perpetrated frauds. Sending a communication or materials to a co-conspirator, soliciting patients via mail, and submitting fraudulent documentation to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) or another government agency can all lead to charges of mail fraud.
3. “Or Takes or Receives Therefrom, Any Such Matter or Thing”
18 U.S.C. Section 1341 applies not only to individuals and organizations that deliver materials using the mail or a private carrier, but also to those that “take[] or receive[]” mailed items. While proof of the requisite mental state (i.e., devising, intending, or attempting to defraud) is still required, simply receiving something in the mail in connection with an apparent fraud can be enough to trigger mail fraud and conspiracy allegations.
4. “Or Knowingly Causes to Be Delivered”
In order to face charges and sentencing under 18 U.S.C. Section 1341, you do not have to personally be the one to physically deposit an item in the mail or drop of materials for delivery via FedEx or UPS. If someone else drops off a parcel or package for you, you can still be charged with mail fraud under 18 U.S.C. Section 1341.
5. “Fined Under this Title or Imprisoned Not More than 20 Years, or Both”
Despite being an “add-on” charge in cases involving other substantive crimes, mail fraud carries severe penalties under 18 U.S.C. Section 1341. A mail fraud conviction can result in up to $250,000 (for individuals) or $500,000 (for organizations) in fines, plus up to 20 years of federal imprisonment. With similar penalties for many healthcare fraud offenses, facing multiple charges as the result of an investigation can easily result in insurmountable financial penalties and a de facto life sentence.
Defending Against Mail Fraud Allegations in Federal Cases
While 18 U.S.C. Section 1341 can create significant exposure for healthcare providers, there are several potential defenses to mail fraud allegations. One of the strongest defenses in many cases will be the “good faith” defense, or lack of intent to commit fraud. If you can successfully challenge the government’s evidence of intent (which is subjective and often difficult to prove), then not only can you avoid liability for mail fraud, but for most standard substantive healthcare-related criminal offenses as well.
Oberheiden, P.C. | Trusted Healthcare Fraud Defense Law Firm Serving Client Across the Nation
If your healthcare business or practice is being targeted in a federal investigation or facing allegations of mail fraud, the defense team at Oberheiden, P.C. can execute trial-tested defense strategies to help protect you against the penalties under 18 U.S.C. Section 1341. We represent clients in need of qui tam defense, involved in False Claim Act investigation, facing federal criminal charges, and in other legal matters. To discuss your options in a free and confidential consultation, please call 888-680-1745 or submit your case information online today.
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Dr. Nick Oberheiden, founder of Oberheiden P.C., focuses his litigation practice on white-collar criminal defense, government investigations, SEC & FCPA enforcement, and commercial litigation.