Ex-Office Manager For RI Medical Practice Sentenced For Stealing $600K

PROVIDENCE, RI — A former office manager and bookkeeper for a Pawtucket medical practice was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison after stealing nearly $600,000 from her employer and the Temporary Disability Benefits program, U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha said Monday.

Tianna Keller, 59, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit health fraud. Prosecutors said Keller stole nearly $570,000 from the medical practice and more than $11,000 in TDI benefits she fraudulently applied for and received.

According to court documents, Keller, who managed all aspects of the medical practice’s finances, developed and executed schemes to add family members and friends as unauthorized paid employees. Prosecutors said she collected and converted patient co-payments and other business funds to pay her personal expenses, tens of thousands of dollars in personal credit card debt, wireless phone bills, and college tuition payments for a family member.

Once Keller's fraud was discovered, she left the practice on medical leave. Once her medical leave expired, her job was terminated. Shen then applied for and was granted TDI benefits, prosecutors said.

Shortly after being approved for TDI benefits, Keller got a new job, but she continued to receive benefits and reported she was unable to work, according to prosecutors.

Keller was ordered to pay restitution of $579,857 to her former employer, an insurance company that covered some of the loss to the medical practice, and the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training Temporary Disability Benefits program. She must also serve three years of federal probation.

Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.