OCALA, Fla. – A licensed mental health counselor in Ocala has been arrested on federal charges of wire fraud and identity theft, accused of using the personal information of patients to submit fraudulent insurance claims over a span of several years.
Michelle Forsythe, 61, was indicted on 14 counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. If convicted, Forsythe could face up to 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud charge. The identity theft count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence.
Federal authorities also intend to seek the forfeiture of $483,511.44, the amount allegedly obtained through the fraudulent billing scheme.
According to court documents, Forsythe used the names and insurance policy details of at least 22 individuals without their consent between January 2016 and December 2022. She allegedly submitted false claims to two health insurance companies for counseling sessions that never occurred. In some cases, the individuals had never been treated by Forsythe at all.
The insurance providers processed the claims and issued electronic payments for services that were never rendered, resulting in substantial financial losses.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson is prosecuting the case.
Authorities emphasized that the indictment is only a formal accusation and that Forsythe is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
