DES MOINES, Iowa—Antwain M. Robinson, age 24, of Des Moines, pled guilty in Polk County District Court on August 23, 2019, to Theft in the First Degree (Class C Felony), Insurance Fraud – Presenting False Information (Class D Felony), two counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Class D Felony), and Escape (Serious Misdemeanor). Robinson was ordered to pay a fine of $1,815.00 along with restitution which is to be determined.
Robinson received a ten year prison sentence for Theft in the First Degree and a five year sentence for Insurance Fraud – Presenting False Information which will be served concurrently. Robinson received two 5 year sentences for two counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and a 90-day sentence for Escape which will be served consecutively also concurrent to his ten year sentence.
Robinson’s charges stemmed from a joint investigation completed by the Des Moines Police Department and the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau beginning in May of 2019. The investigation determined that after escaping from the Fort Des Moines Correctional Facility, Robinson suffered a gunshot wound in a drive by shooting. Robinson later sought medical treatment for his injuries at a local hospital. Throughout the course of his treatment and recovery, Robinson used the identity of another individual when signing medical and insurance related documents to obtain medical insurance benefits in excess of $40,000.
Days after being discharged from the local hospital, Robinson was arrested by the Des Moines Police Department on an outstanding warrant for Escape from Custody. During the arrest, Robinson, a previously convicted felon, was found to be in possession of multiple firearms.
“We appreciate the partnership on this case with the Des Moines Police Department. We will hold people accountable for defrauding our healthcare system,” Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said. “I want to stress the importance for consumers to secure their personal information and their health insurance information. People can steal your health insurance identification numbers and use it to obtain medical procedures.”
Consumers are encouraged to carefully review their explanation of benefits (EOB) received from their insurance company. Make certain to check for accuracy in dates of service, treatments provided and physicians seen.
If you believe your medical identity has been used without your authorization, you should report it to your insurance company. If you identify errors in your EOB, contact your provider. If you believe your information has been used to commit fraud you are encouraged to contact the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau at 515-242-5304.
(contributed press release, Iowa Insurance Division, photo courtesy of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office)
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