New Delhi: Actress Cynthia Allen, who appeared in the Netflix film Concrete Cowboy, and professional model Candice Langley have pleaded guilty in a US federal court to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud in a Medicaid fraud case involving approximately $3.4 million (around ₹29.3 crore). According to the US Department of Justice (DOJ), the two admitted their roles in a scheme that allegedly diverted government funds intended to provide housing assistance to homeless individuals.
According to prosecutors, the accused travelled from Philadelphia to Minnesota, where they established a housing services company. Investigators allege that the company was created primarily to obtain Medicaid funds through fraudulent claims rather than provide legitimate housing-related services.
The investigation alleges that the company was supposed to assist individuals eligible for benefits under Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services programme. However, prosecutors claim the defendants submitted false records and billed the government for services that were never provided.
The US Department of Justice stated that the two women admitted to falsifying records and submitting fraudulent Medicaid claims, allowing them to receive millions of rupees in government funds, which were allegedly diverted for personal use. Investigators also allege that Medicaid claims were filed in the names of homeless individuals who, in many cases, never received the intended benefits.
A third defendant, Deborah Hodges, has also been indicted in connection with the case. However, she has pleaded not guilty in federal court, and the charges against her will proceed to trial separately.
According to US authorities, the case forms part of a broader federal investigation into alleged fraud within Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services programme. Investigators are examining the role of multiple companies suspected of misusing Medicaid funds intended for vulnerable individuals.
The court has not yet scheduled sentencing for Allen and Langley. Under US federal law, they could each face a maximum sentence of 56 months (approximately four years and eight months) in prison, along with substantial financial penalties. The final sentence will be determined by the court after considering all relevant evidence and legal submissions.
Local media reports state that Cynthia Allen has also been associated with missionary work. The wider investigation has reportedly resulted in guilty pleas from several other individuals linked to a Philadelphia church, including a pastor and the president of a Christian university, in separate Medicaid housing fraud cases.
Following the plea hearing, counsel representing Allen and Langley said the defendants accepted responsibility for their actions and were attempting to make amends by pleading guilty.
The investigation and judicial proceedings remain ongoing. While Allen and Langley have admitted guilt, the court has yet to determine their sentence. The allegations against Deborah Hodges will be decided separately during trial based on the evidence presented before the court.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
