By George Slaughter
Ubadire Sampson Anosike (Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office photo)
Fort Bend County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man for issuing fraudulent CPR certifications in which no training was actually provided.
Authorities arrested Ubadire Sampson Anosike on Sept. 30 after the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s office’s Fraud and Special Crimes Units and the Criminal Investigations Division conducted a sting operation in Cinco Ranch.
Detectives learned that Anosike had been issuing fraudulent CPR certifications in which no training was provided. Anosike was using the name of a local medical professional who has no affiliation with the bogus company issuing the cards.
That medical professional, Erica Washington, owns Genesis Education and Training in Wharton. She said her company provides CPR, medication, and nursing training. She said she was angry and hurt that Anosike used her company name as he did. She said she had no idea who Anosike is or how he got her information.
“I’ve worked hard to build a reputable business,” Washington said, adding that the situation broke her heart.
Detectives posed as prospective clients of the bogus business and were issued certifications without any training.
After his arrest, Anosike was released from the Fort Bend County Jail on a $1,000 bond. He has been charged with fraudulent use or possession of identification information, which is a felony in Texas. Punishment ranges from up to two years in state prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
“In the age of healthcare fraud, this type of crime can happen anywhere, including Fort Bend County,” Sheriff Eric Fagan said. “We urge the public to protect themselves from being a victim and be aware of healthcare-related certification and insurance fraud. It could save countless lives and businesses.”
The fraud unit cautions employers relying on CPR certifications issued by a company named Flex Medical Services, of Katy, that the certifications may have been fraudulently issued. While other legitimate businesses may operate under similar names, employers relying upon such certifications under this name are asked to contact Detective Jason Bell at 281-341-4633 or by email at jason.bell@fortbendcountytx.gov to verify this information.