Fort Polk soldier, ex-wife admit to illegally obtaining medical benefits

A Fort Polk soldier from DeRidder and his ex-wife admitted recently to conspiring to illegally obtain medical benefits from the Department of Defense Health Program, Tricare.

Amanda Elise Morphis, 26, of Sanford, N.C., pleaded guilty Tuesday before Judge Jay C. Zainey to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, according to U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph.

According to the guilty plea, Morphis divorced U.S. Army Sergeant Nathan Chance Louvier, 30, of DeRidder, Dec. 6, 2011.

For more than two years after their divorce, Morphis and Louvier falsely represented to the Defense Department, the Army and Tricare that they were married so that Morphis could receive health care benefits from Tricare after her entitlement to benefits had ended.

A service member is required by U.S. Army regulations and federal statutes to notify the Defense Enrollment Eligibility System of an event, such as a death or divorce, that changes the status of a dependent within 30 days of the event.

Between Dec. 7, 2011, and February 2014, Tricare paid $143,387.56 in fraudulent claims for Morphis’ health care benefits.

Louvier entered his own guilty plea to conspiracy Oct. 3.

The defendants face a maximum of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and mandatory restitution to repay Tricare $143,387.56 for paid fraudulent claims.

Louvier’s sentencing is set for Jan. 9, 2019. Morphis’ sentencing is set for Feb. 13.””Tricare Fraud

SportsPlus

Crime

Death of two women at Topsy Road home under investigation

McNeese Sports

Know your foe: Demons struggle to rebuild

life

Smoke & Barrel: Aged since 2018 with character aplenty

life

Bingo With a Purpose: Seniors have fun, learn about abuse prevention

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column: Ending tax breaks is tough

Local News

McNeese awarded $2.2M grant to offer resources, tutoring, peer support to students

Local News

Allen school employees in line for two supplement pay increases

Crime

LC man arrested during joint undercover operation targeting online offenders

Local News

Judge delays ruling on whether to scrap Trump’s conviction in hush money case

Crime

11/12: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Speaker Mike Johnson says Republicans are ‘ready to deliver’ on Trump’s agenda

Business

Names in the News: People shaping the future of Lake Area business

Local News

Federal judge blocks La. law that requires classrooms to display Ten Commandments

McNeese Sports

Running in high gear

Local News

Will Trump’s hush money conviction be upheld? Judge will rule today

McNeese Sports

Upset dreams fall short

Local News

Cold front, accompanying showers headed to SW La. Wednesday

Crime

LC man sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking, firearms crimes

McNeese Sports

Rested Cowboys ready for final push

life

PHOTO GALLERY: Lake Arthur Elementary Veterans Day program

Crime

Conviction stands for LC man who raped girlfriend’s 11-year-old daughter

Crime

11/11: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Tax reform, other bills advance in first week of special session

Football

Hobbs column: LSU invents new ways to embarrass itself