Three former NFL players were sentenced on Monday for their roles in a multimillion dollar health care fraud scheme. Over the course of his NFL career, Correl Buckhalter ran for 2,944 rushing yards. The ringleaders would then demand thousands of dollars in kickbacks for each fake claim, prosecutors allege. The test purported to exclude him as the father. Unrelated to the healthcare fraud situation, a court ordered the arrest of Portis over unpaid child support in August. at 335, 682 N.W.2d at 708. See Miller v. Steichen, 268 Neb. She testified that Buckhalter continued to acknowledge that A.E. Buckhalter graduated from Collins in 1997. No. Brown (left), Etric Pruitt (center) and John Eubanks (right). Another player, former Chargers and Patriots receive Reche Caldwell, was shot and killed in a robbery attempt before he could be sentenced in the case. Paternity and Child Support Suit Against Buckhalter. This case was investigated by the FBI and included efforts by various FBI Field Offices and Resident Agencies, including Augusta, Georgia; Birmingham and Mobile, Alabama; Cleveland, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; Columbia, South Carolina; Dallas and Houston, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Jackson, Mississippi; Lexington, Kentucky; New Orleans, Louisiana; Miami, Jacksonville, and Tampa, Florida; Newark, New Jersey; Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, and Newport Beach, California; Phoenix, Arizona; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Washington, D.C. Assistant Chief John (Fritz) Scanlon and Trial Attorney Alexander J. Kramer of the Criminal Divisions Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Smith of the Eastern District of Kentucky prosecuted the case. They are among 15 players who pleaded guilty in the case. After the trial court entered a default judgment against the insurance company, the company moved to vacate the judgment. In 2010, Buckhalter played in 15 games as a reserve. 19. But prosecutors said Buckhalter also was a leader and organizer in a separate, similar conspiracy that operated in the same manner as McCunes scheme. Buckhalter contacted the county attorney's office to inform them he could not attend that day because he had to play in a football game. 1997 Nebraska Cornhuskers footballUSA Today/ESPN national champions, Alleged Drug Dealer Names Bronco As Client, Buckhalter Denies Buying Drugs from PA Dealer, "Ten Former NFL Players Charged in Alleged Nationwide Fraud on Health Care Benefit Program for Retired NFL Players", "More former NFL players pleading guilty in health fraud case in Kentucky", "Six Former NFL Players Charged in Superseding Indictment Alleging Nationwide Fraud on Health Care Benefit Program for Retired NFL Players", "Former NFL players sentenced in multimillion-dollar fraud scheme", "Former NFL Player Sentenced to Prison for Nationwide Health Care Fraud Scheme", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Correll_Buckhalter&oldid=1131982026, Players of American football from Mississippi, African-American players of American football, 21st-century African-American sportspeople, 20th-century African-American sportspeople, Articles with dead external links from July 2019, Articles with permanently dead external links, Articles with dead external links from January 2018, Short description is different from Wikidata, NFL player missing current team parameter, Infobox NFL biography articles missing alt text and caption, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 6 January 2023, at 18:36. These items are annualized to arrive at monthly net income. Monthly support amounts are then determined by plugging the combined monthly net income of both parties into table 1 of the guidelines to establish the appropriate support level. looks like Buckhalter. On July 28, 2011, he was released by Denver. Please see our Contributors and Sources page for data source details. Tejral v. Tejral, 220 Neb. Buckhalter was sentenced to 10 months in prison and 10 months of house arrest plus three years probation the most severe outcome of the three sentenced Monday. In February, Buckhalter informed the paralegal that he was then living at an address in New Jersey, but also gave her an address in Texas. Buckhalter went on to play for the Denver Broncos for two seasons in 2009 and 2010 before retiring. Latest on RB Correll Buckhalter including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on NFL.com He argues that because the court did not include any deductions, the calculation is grossly incorrect and inequitable.26. Montgomery and Reid were credited for previous time served in jail and sentenced to six months of home detention plus three years probation. The three are among 15 who have pleaded guilty in the case, which involved retired players making false claims under the Gene Upshaw NFL Player Health Reimbursement Account Plan. Thanks for contacting us. Correll was too young to remember his mother before she died, but it left him wondering what his mother was like. Buckhalter attended Collins High School (Collins, Mississippi) and was a letterman in football. In April 2004, Buckhalter and Brown arranged for private genetic testing to determine if Buckhalter was the father. Out of the 15 players who pleaded guilty in this case, nine have been sentenced. Court documents show that McCune submitted false and fraudulent claims to the Plan on his own behalf and on behalf of dozens of other former NFL players. Please try again. He played for the Eagles from 2001 to 2008, with three seasons lost due to injury. Beren Corp. v. Spader, supra note 11. Players took advantage of that fund to get reimbursed, and the scheme led to nearly $4 million in bogus claims. Due Process(a)Failure to Provide Notice of Evidentiary Hearing. gifts, including shoes, clothes, and Philadelphia Eagles merchandise; he regularly speaks to him on the telephone; and he has offered to pay child support in the past. At FindLaw.com, we pride ourselves on being the number one source of free legal information and resources on the web. Paragraph C(3) provides that when total net income exceeds $10,000, child support may be more but shall not be less than the amount which would be computed using the $10,000 monthly income unless other permissible deviations exist. We have previously held that total monthly child support calculations which exceed the combined net monthly income provided for in the guidelines should be left to the discretion of the trial court and affirmed absent an abuse of discretion.27. Do you have a blog? A party's voluntary inaction and inattention should not be permitted to paralyze the ordinary and orderly functioning of the legal process.5. Correll is a devoted father to our son and would always set a good example for him to follow.. On December 20, 2004, the State moved to compel Buckhalter to submit to genetic testing. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Wednesday, March 1, 2:31PM. Contrary to Buckhalter's assertion, the referee's calculations were far from arbitrary. Buckhalter, 41, allegedly is among a group of former players who sought reimbursements for expensive equipment that they never purchased. , money, salary, income, and assets. Buckhalter argues that the court should have vacated the default finding of paternity because he has a meritorious defense. 3. Here, we must decide whether the unsubstantiated paternity test results create a real controversy worthy of judicial inquiry.18 In addressing this issue, it is useful to consider when genetic tests may be admitted as evidence of paternity. 27. Several of the retirees have already received their sentences: Pruitt (three months), Butler (two months), Brown (one year), and Rogers (180 days home detention, 400 hours of community service and a $10,000 fine). The record, however, fails to show how Buckhalter's DNA sample was taken, and no fingerprint or photographic evidence authenticated that the DNA sample tested was Buckhalter's. The State argues alternatively that (1) the private, unsubstantiated genetic test results do not provide a meritorious defense to paternity, or (2) the court's decision should be upheld on the evidence. They assert that Buckhalter's defense is simply to deny paternity. The State, however, contends that because Buckhalter did not answer or otherwise enter an appearance, he was not entitled to receive notice of the hearing. Correll Buckhalter, Anthony Montgomery, Darrell Reid and Fredrick Bennett were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen K. Caldwell this week. The referee acted well within her discretion in recommending $4,035. 721, 605 N.W.2d 454 (2000). Ex-Saints star Joe Horn faces up to 10 years in prison after Former NFL star Clinton Portis pleads guilty to healthcare King Charles hosts von der Leyen at Windsor Castle, Huge urgent police search for missing baby of Constance Marten, Putin spy plane before being 'destroyed by pro-Ukraine Belarus group', Amplified jet stream could lead to 'disruptive snow in places', Biden claims ICU nurse would whisper in his ear and BREATH on him, Child reads from sexually explicit book at Maine school board meeting, Gabor Mat: No Jewish state without oppressing local population, Dashcam captures moment two cars collide on a roundabout, Putin orders intelligence service to find 'scum' who oppose him, Moment supermarket cashier is attacked at work in New York, Police search allotment sheds for Constance Marten's missing baby, Woman appears to fake injury while arguing with tradie next door, Alex Raskin Sports News Editor For Dailymail.com. The 2006 season marked his first action since the 2003 NFC Championship Game. Prosecutors say the group's alleged ringleaders, Robert McCune and Correll Buckhalter who they allege broke off to create his own similar ring would recruit former players by offering to submit fake claims to the health care plan. Joe Horn, 50, of Columbia, South Carolina, was sentenced to 200 hours of community service. While still recovering, Buckhalter and Bryan Scott made cameo appearances in the comedy movie, White Men Can't Rap. While a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Buckhalter had a sexual relationship with Jennifer Brown. He . The complaint and summons were served at Buckhalter's mother's home in Mississippi on July 15, 2004. In 2007, he saw action at running back as well as at kick returner. Eight of the players who pleaded guilty in the case have been sentenced, the report said. The second claim was denied. We affirm because after failing to answer or appear, Buckhalter was not entitled to notice of the hearing, the unsubstantiated test results are not a meritorious defense, and the child support award is supported by the evidence. DISCLAIMER: This site is 100% for entertainment purposes only and does not involve real money betting. The Gene Upshaw NFL Player Health Reimbursement Account Plan was established in 2006 as part of the collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and NFL Players' Association. Brown's testimony established that the paternity test exists, so the referee was aware of the test results at the evidentiary hearing. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. McCune and others submitted fraudulent claims for medical care or equipment that they didnt pay for or receive. We held that the insurer had sufficiently demonstrated a defense worthy of judicial inquiry.16, In Beren Corp., we addressed whether the trial court should have vacated a default judgment in an action to quiet title to real estate in the plaintiff. [1][2] In 2009, his ninth season in the NFL, Buckhalter achieved career highs in rushing yardage (642), yards per carry (5.4), and receptions (31). Signup for OutKick VIP by clicking here, and keep up with all OutKicks latest betting info by clicking here. 18. 21. He alleges that the evidence of his income-employment verification forms submitted by the Philadelphia Eagles-was insufficient because tax returns, financial statements, and wage stubs should be used. The scheme dates back to the Gene Upshaw NFL Player Health Reimbursement Account Plan in 2006, which gave tax-free reimbursements to health expenses not covered by insurance up to $350,000 per player. Buckhalter argues that the court erred in approving the referee's child support recommendation. The fraud was first reported by Cigna when it detected unusual claims and refused to pay them. 1 Comment. Correll Buckhalter (/k r l / ; born October 6, 1978) is a former American football running back who played for eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL). 5. They each only had one claim approved and they didnt make efforts to recruit more conspirators like some other defendants. New users can lock in this offer NOW by clicking this link. 's father is not a meritorious defense. Despite multiple contacts with both Brown and the Lancaster County Attorney's office, he failed to answer or appear. In January 2005, Buckhalter told the paralegal at the county attorney's office to send all mail to the Mississippi address where his mother lived. (a)The District Court Orders Buckhalter to Take a Verified Paternity Test. The existence of Buckhalter's unverified test results does not create a meritorious defense that would require the district court to vacate the referee's findings. He contends that Neb.Rev.Stat. Buckhalter, however, was in the best position to provide more thorough evidence of his income. Reid, who played for the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, was recruited into the scheme by Eubanks after the two were introduced to each other by Montgomery, according to court records. Tom Brady's 600th touchdown ball nets fan big Buccaneers h PGA Tour becoming like LIV Golf after latest schedule changes, Dodgers' biggest problem isn't their new shortstop deficit, The Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast, The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman, Amazin' But True: A NY Mets Baseball Podcast, Gangs All Here: A NY Jets Football Podcast, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle confirm they were asked to 'vacate' Frogmore Cottage, 11-year-old reads aloud from 'pornographic' book he checked out from library at school board meeting. She extended that pattern until she reached a monthly income of $89,000. On May 25, the State filed an affidavit informing the court that Buckhalter had not submitted to genetic testing as ordered. Equipment noted in the fraudulent claims, typically in the range of $40,000 to $50,000 each, included hyperbaric oxygen chambers, ultrasound machines and electromagnetic therapy devices designed for use on horses, according to prosecutors. is his child after the test results. Decided: April 20, 2007 HEAVICAN, C.J., WRIGHT, CONNOLLY, GERRARD, STEPHAN, McCORMACK, and MILLER-LERMAN, JJ. Other players who were allegedly involved in the scheme include Ceandris (C.C.) If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Evidence revealed that A.E. The other two ex-players, Anthony Montgomery and Darrell Reid, were sentenced by US District Judge Karen Caldwell to 10 months house arrest. And if we allowed such a defense to vacate the default judgment, defendants in paternity cases would always have the incentive to wait until after the hearing is over before appearing in the case. was conceived, including Buckhalter. Buckhalter, a former Nebraska running back, was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He had 313 yards rushing and a 21.6 yards per return average. (College Stats), Weighted Career AV (100-95-): 27 (4208th overall since 1960). [7] He initially pleaded not guilty,[8] but later pleaded guilty to the charge by July 2020. He played for the Denver Broncos for two seasons (2009 and 2010). Another 12 former players have also pleaded guilty in the case, which first opened in 2019. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. In Tejral v. Tejral,3 the district court entered a default judgment dissolving the parties' marriage. Buckhalter's alleged meritorious defense is that the private paternity test results excluded him as the child's father. Megan Turner After a detailed analysis of the law in the area, we concluded the defendants had raised a question deserving investigation.17. All rights reserved. See Faaborg v. Faaborg, 254 Neb. By Alex Raskin Sports News Editor For Dailymail.com, Published: 12:07 EST, 26 October 2021 | Updated: 12:19 EST, 26 October 2021. With the help of former Redskins linebacker Robert McCune, who filed claims on their behalf, Buckhalter, Reid and Montgomery sought payment for expensive medical equipment that wasn't received and were then reimbursed from the fund. The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that a handful of players took advantage of that fund to get reimbursed, and the scheme led to nearly $4 million in fraudulent claims being filed. The State's failure to introduce the unsubstantiated private paternity test results also did not violate his due process rights. Otherwise, the hearing on the State's motion would take place. Defense team in double-murder trial braces for explosive testimony from relative who shot at him in botched suicide attempt, Republicans fight back at 'liar' and 'hypocrite' Biden for constantly claiming they want to cut Medicare and Social Security in GOP war with the White House, Russia's feared new offensive has already begun says NATO chief, as he warns Ukraine is using more munitions than military alliance is producing, Ron DeSantis says he will 'reevaluate' relationship with the College Board after it accused Florida Governor's administration of 'slander' for saying AP African American studies 'lacks educational value', Is it now CHEAPER to eat out than buy groceries? All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Brown testified that she was unemployed so that she could stay at home to care for another child of hers who was ill. She had previously received Medicaid, but stopped receiving payments in anticipation of receiving child support from Buckhalter. U.S. District Judge Karen K. Caldwell delivered sentences to Correll Buckhalter . 6. Montgomery, who played for what was known as the Washington Redskins, filed two phony claims worth roughly $94,000, court records show. at 267, 369 N.W.2d at 361. See State on behalf of Joseph F. v. Rial, 251 Neb. Buckhalter has had to deal with adversity over his career. The 47-year-old also pleaded guilty and agreed to pay in full restitution, OutKick previously reported. Buckhalter attempts to distinguish this case by arguing that 25-534 required notice of the hearing. Buckhalter argues that the employment verification forms the State introduced to show Buckhalter's income were inadequate. On December 2, 2005, 17 months after the State filed the action, and after Buckhalter failed to appear numerous times for verified genetic testing, a referee found that Buckhalter is A.E. Discover Correll Buckhalter's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Including his own false claims in that scheme, totaling $56,821, he and his coconspirators received $749,050 in fraudulent reimbursements. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. Buckhalter owns a Quarter Horse stallion named 'Absolutely No Doubt,' who was the national high point Performance Halter Stallion of the American Quarter Horse Association in 2008. All four players had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, according to court records. Correll Buckhalters income source is mostly from being a successful . Beren Corp. v. Spader, supra note 11. Beckles. Former Eagles running back Correll Buckhalter, along with nine other former NFL players, is facing charges of allegedly defrauding a health-care program created to benefit retired players out of more than $3 million, the U.S. Justice Department said in court documents. The trial court did not err in denying Buckhalter's motion to vacate because he does not have a meritorious defense. 831, 429 N.W.2d 355 (1988). 396, 544 N.W.2d 111 (1996). Buckhalters wife, LaFonda Buckhalter, filed in court a letter in support of her husband.