Feds Bust SoCal Hospice Fraud Ring, Charge 15 with Bilking Millions

Authorities say operators of sham hospice facilities submitted fraudulent Medicare claims for patients who weren't terminally ill

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:26pm

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An extreme close-up of a stack of medical documents and files, lit by a harsh flash against a dark background, conceptually illustrating an investigation into healthcare fraud.A federal crackdown on widespread hospice fraud in Southern California exposes the brazen exploitation of vulnerable patients and taxpayer funds.Los Angeles Today

Federal authorities announced the arrest of 8 people and charges against 15 individuals accused of running a scheme to defraud Medicare of over $50 million by operating sham hospice facilities across Southern California. The defendants allegedly billed Medicare for hospice care for patients who were not actually terminally ill, using the funds for personal expenses instead of providing end-of-life care.

Why it matters

Hospice fraud has been a persistent problem in California, with officials saying the state has done little to properly vet and regulate the industry. This crackdown highlights the scale of the issue, with authorities alleging the defendants brazenly exploited the system for personal gain at the expense of taxpayers.

The details

The defendants operated facilities in Covina, Anaheim, Glendale and Lakewood, and included medical professionals like nurses, a chiropractor and a psychologist. Authorities say the suspects used the fraudulently obtained funds for international travel, mortgages, car loans and to send money overseas, rather than providing legitimate hospice care. Some defendants are accused of paying kickbacks to patients who were not terminally ill in order to list them as hospice beneficiaries.

  • The alleged fraud scheme took place between 2022 and 2024.
  • Federal officials announced the arrests and charges on April 2, 2026.

The players

Amelou Gill

Operator of St. Francis Palliative Care in Glendale, arrested at his Covina home by an FBI SWAT team.

Gladwin Gill

Wife of Amelou Gill, operator of St. Francis Palliative Care, arrested at their Covina home.

Lolita Beronilla Minerd

A licensed vocational nurse from Anaheim who operated Topanga Hospice Care Inc. in Artesia and allegedly submitted over $9 million in fraudulent Medicare claims.

Nita Almuete Paddit Palma

76-year-old accused of operating three fraudulent hospice care facilities, including one that was operating while she was free on bond in another hospice fraud case.

Adolfo Catbagan

68-year-old husband of Nita Almuete Paddit Palma, accused of operating three fraudulent hospice care facilities with his wife.

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What they’re saying

“This happens entirely too much, particularly in Los Angeles County. We are making fraud a priority.”

— Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney

“Fraud historically does not get the attention it deserves, so I'm glad to see a national spotlight on this pervasive problem.”

— Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Office

“When you go to hospice you're going there to die. You don't have an 85% survival rate.”

— Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney

What’s next

Federal authorities say they will continue to investigate and prosecute hospice fraud cases in Southern California, vowing to make it a priority.

The takeaway

This case highlights the scale of hospice fraud in California, with officials accusing the state of lax oversight and regulation that has allowed sham facilities to thrive. It underscores the need for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable patients and taxpayer funds from exploitation.