A New River couple has been sentenced to federal prison after being convicted of orchestrating a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme that targeted Arizona’s Medicaid program.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, Thvoughn Curry and Alexis Curry were sentenced for their roles in a scheme that defrauded the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, commonly known as AHCCCS, of more than $12 million.
Following a bench trial earlier this year, both were found guilty of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, healthcare fraud and multiple counts of transactional money laundering. Thvoughn Curry received a sentence of 88 months in prison, while Alexis Curry was sentenced to 70 months. Both were also ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay more than $12 million in restitution.
Federal investigators said the scheme centered on 1 Family Clinic, a Mesa-based outpatient behavioral health provider operated by the couple. Prosecutors alleged that the clinic gained approval as an AHCCCS provider through a fraudulent application that concealed Thvoughn Curry’s ownership and management role while he was facing an outstanding felony fraud warrant.
Once enrolled, authorities said the clinic submitted claims for services that were either exaggerated or never provided. Prosecutors alleged the business routinely billed AHCCCS for extensive behavioral health treatment services, often claiming more than 12 hours of care per patient per day despite operating for fewer hours and lacking the capacity to provide the services billed.
Investigators said the clinic specifically targeted AHCCCS’s American Indian Health Plan through the fraudulent billing practices between 2021 and 2023.
Court records also alleged that vulnerable individuals seeking substance abuse treatment were placed at risk while under the clinic’s care. Prosecutors cited instances in which residents were left unsupervised and experienced overdoses or other medical emergencies.
Authorities said the fraudulent claims generated more than $12 million in payments from AHCCCS. Rather than using the funds for healthcare services, prosecutors argued that much of the money was diverted to personal spending, including real estate purchases and luxury vehicles. Evidence presented at trial included the purchase of a Lamborghini Urus valued at more than $300,000.
The investigation was led by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation division with assistance from the Mesa Police Department and the AHCCCS Office of Inspector General.
Federal officials described the case as part of a broader effort to combat fraud involving taxpayer-funded healthcare programs and recover public funds intended for critical services.
