KINGMAN, Ariz. – A multiple-defendant Kingman health care fraud prosecution conducted by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office is plodding along in Mohave County Superior Court. Judge Ryan Esplin conducted an Oct. 1 status conference for the case targeting Slimming Grace Primary Care, its manager Danni Owens and four employees.
Charges against co-defendants Bree Lobley and Bailee Tusick were dismissed without prejudice last month, according to a court case data base.
Various attorneys involved with the remaining defendants informed the court that disclosure and resolution related discussions continue, but that the case is complex and requires more time to process than an ordinary matter in the criminal arena. The status conference was continued to December 2.
Defense attorney Raymond Mercola expressed optimism that he and Assistant Arizona Attorney General Robert Tokar might be close to a plea deal resolving the case against Natalie Rebellozo.
“I think we’ll have something before that December date,” Mercola said. “We’ve had some really good discussions and I think we may reach an agreement.”
“I think we’re real close your honor,” the prosecutor agreed. “I would expect we’ll have something before the court shortly.”
No one is in custody while the case is pending.
The mix of charges in the June indictment ranged from conspiracy to commit fraud, forgery, sale of misbranded drugs and identity theft. An AG Office news release alleged defendants placed prescriptions under patients’ names without consent, administered prescription medications without valid consultations, and fraudulently portrayed themselves as licensed health care professionals.
