A federal jury has convicted Markita Barnes, the owner and operator of Here for You, a now-closed prenatal care coordination company, on twenty federal charges. The convictions include healthcare fraud, making false statements related to healthcare matters, violating the Anti-Kickback Statute, aggravated identity theft, obstruction of a healthcare fraud investigation, and money laundering.
According to evidence presented at trial, Barnes and her employees targeted pregnant women and young mothers by offering cash enrollment bonuses and free baby items such as car seats, pack ‘n plays, diapers, and wipes to encourage them to join the company’s prenatal care program. After enrolling participants, the company unlawfully used their personal information to submit fraudulent claims to Medicaid for services that were never provided. In many cases, claims were backdated to before any interaction with the clients had occurred. Some participants received only sporadic deliveries of diapers and wipes; others received nothing.
Prosecutors also demonstrated that Barnes spent proceeds from the scheme on personal luxuries including expensive travel, designer clothing, and a $75,000 Mercedes vehicle.
United States Attorney Brad D. Schimel stated that sentencing is set for March 17, 2026 before United States District Court Chief Judge Pamela Pepper. Barnes faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years for aggravated identity theft charges and up to twenty years in prison for each healthcare fraud charge.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Medicaid Fraud and Elder Abuse Control Unit investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Julie F. Stewart and Kate M. Biebel prosecuted it.
