Wisconsin Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Medicaid Fraud, Ordered to Pay $3 Million in Restitution

Lenard R. Monroe defrauded Medicaid and misused COVID-19 relief funds for personal purchases.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 6:05pm

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A 52-year-old Wisconsin man was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for Medicaid fraud, violations of the anti-kickback statute, wire fraud, and money laundering. Lenard R. Monroe was ordered to pay nearly $3 million in restitution after his former business, Wellness Personal Care Service, falsely billed Medicaid for thousands of hours of home healthcare services that were never performed. Monroe also allegedly paid illegal kickbacks and fraudulently obtained COVID-19 relief funds, which he used for personal purchases like a Dodge Demon drag racing car.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of Medicaid fraud, which diverts critical resources away from those in need. It also demonstrates the misuse of COVID-19 relief funds intended to support legitimate businesses and communities during the pandemic. The significant prison sentence and restitution order send a strong message about the consequences of such fraudulent activities.

The details

Over a three-year period, Monroe's former business, Wellness Personal Care Service, falsely billed Medicaid for thousands of hours of home healthcare services that were never performed. Monroe also paid a co-defendant more than $600,000 in illegal kickbacks and fraudulently applied for and received almost $250,000 in COVID-19 relief funds, which he used for personal purchases.

  • On March 10, 2026, Lenard R. Monroe was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison.
  • In October 2025, Monroe was found guilty on all charges during a jury trial.

The players

Lenard R. Monroe

A 52-year-old man from Wisconsin who was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for Medicaid fraud, violations of the anti-kickback statute, wire fraud, and money laundering.

Wellness Personal Care Service

Monroe's former business that falsely billed Medicaid for thousands of hours of home healthcare services that were never performed.

U.S. Attorney Schimel

The U.S. Attorney who stated that fraud like this takes resources from those most in need and that the strong sentence sends a powerful message to potential thieves.

Adam Jobes

The Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office, who said that COVID-19 relief funds were meant to be a lifeline for legitimate businesses, not an opportunity for theft.

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What they’re saying

“Fraud like this takes resources from every one of us, especially those Americans most in need of the public's help. The strong sentence in this case not only holds the defendant accountable but also sends a powerful message to other potential thieves who would defraud the goodwill of the American people.”

— U.S. Attorney Schimel (wearegreenbay.com)

“COVID relief funds were meant to be a lifeline to keep legitimate businesses open, employees paid, and communities afloat during a national crisis. Leonard Monroe saw that lifeline as an opportunity to steal.”

— Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office (wearegreenbay.com)

What’s next

No additional details were provided.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing problem of Medicaid fraud and the misuse of COVID-19 relief funds, which divert critical resources away from those in need. The significant prison sentence and restitution order demonstrate the serious consequences for such fraudulent activities and send a strong message to deter potential offenders.