Newly filed motion says physical therapists Aaron W. Hertel, Michael R. Brown do not oppose order that they repay insurers total of $15 million derived from billing scheme at physical therapy clinic.
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Restitution for Hertel & Brown owners reaches millions of dollars
On Aug. 21, 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a motion that said the owners of Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy do not oppose a court order that they pay $15 million in restitution in their fraud case.
- The owners of Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy have agreed to pay $15 million in restitution for health insurance fraud.
- Aaron W. Hertel and Michael R. Brown were each sentenced to six years in federal prison and fined $250,000 in largest-ever case of white-collar crime in…
MANAGEMENT & CULTURE (THE “TONE AT THE TOP”)
Fraud thrives in “sloppy” environments where leadership ignores the rules.
- The Fraud Triangle: For fraud to occur, three elements must be present: Pressure (the need for money), Rationalization (thinking “I deserve this”), and Opportunity (weak controls). You can only control the Opportunity.
- Whistleblower Hotline: Provide an anonymous way for staff to report “odd behavior.” Most internal frauds are caught via tips, not audits.
- Background Checks: Conduct credit and criminal record checks for all employees in financial or data-sensitive roles.
- Annual Ethics Training: Make sure every staff member knows that the company has a Zero Tolerance policy toward “borrowing” from petty cash or fudging overtime.