Washington therapist arrested

WASHINGTON — Police arrested John Paul Nganga last week, charging him with Second Degree Fraudulent Practice after a criminal complaint accused the therapist for Grace C. Mae Advocate Center of fraudulently submitting claims totaling $4,814.20.

Court documents said the Washington Police Department was tipped off by Cedar Rapids officers before starting the investigation.

“The company had (noticed) questionable billing practices involving Mr. Nganga,” a criminal complaint said. “Mr. Nganga was interviewed by the director and a second employee, and he admitted to submitting false claims. The Grace C. Mae Advocacy Center was able to identify 63 fraudulently submitted claims from Jan. 5, 2022 to April 29, 2022.”

The criminal complaint said Nganga primarily billed through the Washington office, and that all of the events listed in the criminal complaint happened in Washington.

The same court document said Nganga’s attorney contacted officers, and said the therapist would not answer questions concerning the case.

Executives of the advocate center said Nganga was no longer employed there.

“Our agency does adhere to the highest of ethical standards, and he is no longer employed at the agency,” Grace C. Mae Co-founder and Director Patti Gilbaugh said. “We’ve taken all of the appropriate steps to protect the confidentiality of our clients, and those that needed to know do know. The agency is cooperating with law enforcement.”

Gilbaugh said she could not comment much further on the ongoing investigation, but said it was a matter of utmost importance to the organization.

“We take this matter very seriously,” she said. “We do everything we can to protect the integrity of our services.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com