Former Zynex Executives Indicted for Alleged Fraud Scheme

Patient shares story of being billed for unwanted medical supplies from Colorado-based company

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A patient named Jodi Ritchie says she fell victim to a fraud scheme allegedly perpetrated by former executives of Zynex Inc., a Colorado-based medical device company. Ritchie was prescribed a TENS unit by her doctor, but claims she was billed for excessive and unnecessary medical supplies that she did not order. The federal indictment alleges former Zynex CEO Thomas Sandgaard and former COO Anna Lucsok ran a scheme to defraud healthcare payors, patients, and investors by shipping excessive, unnecessary supplies and fraudulently billing for them.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about potential fraud and abuse within the medical device industry, and the impact it can have on patients, especially those on fixed incomes. It also raises questions about the oversight and accountability of medical equipment providers and the need for patients to closely monitor their insurance coverage and billing.

The details

According to the indictment, Ritchie was prescribed a TENS unit by her doctor to help manage pain from a torn tendon. She says she was told the device would be fully covered by her insurance, but then began receiving additional supplies she did not order, including electrodes and batteries. Ritchie says she was billed over $500 for the unwanted items. The indictment alleges Sandgaard and Lucsok ran a scheme to defraud healthcare payors, patients, and investors by shipping excessive, unnecessary medical supplies and fraudulently billing for them.

  • In 2024, Ritchie tore several tendons in her glutes while trying to move furniture out of her hurricane-damaged Florida home.
  • Ritchie was prescribed a TENS unit from Zynex Inc. in 2024.
  • Sandgaard and Lucsok were arrested in January 2026.
  • Sandgaard retired as CEO in August 2025 and Lucsok resigned in October 2025.

The players

Jodi Ritchie

A patient who says she fell victim to a fraud scheme allegedly perpetrated by former executives of Zynex Inc.

Thomas Sandgaard

The 67-year-old former CEO of Zynex Inc. who has been indicted for his alleged role in the fraud scheme.

Anna Lucsok

The 39-year-old former COO of Zynex Inc. who has been indicted for her alleged role in the fraud scheme.

Zynex Inc.

A Colorado-based medical device company that produces and markets electrotherapy devices used in pain management, rehabilitation and stroke recovery.

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What they’re saying

“I just kept getting more electrodes and more 9-volt batteries and things. I see a bill for over $500, and I'm like, 'Wait a minute. I didn't order any of this stuff.' I was told that it was covered by my insurance.”

— Jodi Ritchie, Patient (CBS Colorado)

“How many more companies are doing this to people? How many times has Medicaid been billed for this and ripped off?”

— Jodi Ritchie, Patient (CBS Colorado)

“I'm happy that it's come to an end and that people are being held accountable for it. These older people that live alone and live on Social Security, you know, they may not be able to pay their rent. It's terrible.”

— Jodi Ritchie, Patient (CBS Colorado)

What’s next

Sandgaard and Lucsok are scheduled to appear in court for their arraignments on March 5, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability in the medical device industry to protect vulnerable patients from potential fraud and abuse. It also underscores the importance for patients to closely monitor their insurance coverage and billing to avoid being taken advantage of.