Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced on April 3 that Hasan Jermel Pulliam, a former Medicaid provider from Anniston, has been sentenced to 54 months in federal prison for health care fraud and aggravated identity theft. The sentencing took place on April 2, with Pulliam also ordered to pay $718,967.20 in restitution to the Alabama Medicaid Agency and serve three years of supervised release.
The case highlights efforts by state and federal authorities to protect taxpayer funds and ensure accountability in health care programs. According to Marshall, “This sentence reflects our commitment to protecting taxpayer resources and upholding the rule of law in Alabama.” He added, “I commend our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for their excellent work on this case, and I thank our federal partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and HHS-OIG for their collaboration in holding Mr. Pulliam accountable for defrauding Alabama taxpayers of over $700,000. We will continue this collaborative effort to root out fraud and ensure justice is served.”
Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson said, “Health care fraud diverts limited resources away from the patients and families who depend on programs like Medicaid. This sentence holds the defendant accountable for abusing his position of trust and sending false claims to obtain money he was not entitled to receive. Our office will continue to work closely with our federal and state partners to protect taxpayer-funded health care programs from fraud and abuse.” Kelly Blackmon of HHS-OIG stated that providers who exploit personal information or bill for services not rendered “will be held accountable,” emphasizing ongoing cooperation among agencies.
Pulliam had enrolled as a child and family therapist with Alabama Medicaid in October 2018. He obtained patient information through referrals but submitted fraudulent claims between his enrollment date through November 2023 using beneficiaries’ identifying details without consent—sometimes involving minors—according to court records outlined in the announcement.
The investigation began after questionable billing activity was flagged by the Alabama Medicaid Agency’s Program Integrity Unit before being referred jointly to the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) in Montgomery as well as HHS-OIG investigators based in Birmingham.
The Alabama Attorney General office works statewide as chief law enforcement agency representing legal matters across all counties according to its official website. It focuses on enhancing safety through crime reduction initiatives while supporting victims according to its official website, offers legal representation including prosecuting crimes according to its official website, has influenced policy via high-profile cases such as upholding Brody Act convictions before the Supreme Court according to its official website, received recognition during pandemic response efforts according to its official website, with Steve Marshall serving since February 10, 2017 according to its official website.
Looking ahead, officials say they remain committed “to working with our law enforcement partners” against future attempts at health care program abuse.