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Ex-CEO Faces Murder, Fraud Allegations
21 Jan
Summary
- Former CEO faces new health care fraud charges.
- Charges stem from fatal hyperbaric chamber incident.
- Investigation into fraud began in September 2022.
Tamela Peterson, the former CEO of the Oxford Center, was arraigned on Tuesday, January 20, on nine counts of health fraud. These new charges are in addition to a second-degree murder charge she faces in relation to a fatal hyperbaric chamber explosion in January 2025.
State prosecutors allege that Peterson was aware of and benefited from fraudulent health care claims. An investigation into these alleged fraudulent activities commenced in September 2022. Each health fraud charge carries a potential penalty of up to four years in prison and/or a $50,000 fine.
In the hyperbaric chamber incident, 5-year-old Thomas Cooper died. Prosecutors contend the center failed to ensure the child's safety by neglecting maintenance checks. They also allege no medical doctor or safety supervisor was present, and treatment was not administered by a licensed technician, with a critical safety ground strap also reportedly unused.
