News Summary
Precious Cruse, former owner of Caring Through Love, was convicted on multiple federal felony charges, including healthcare fraud and identity theft. Her fraudulent practices impacted vulnerable populations seeking prenatal care in Wisconsin. Investigations revealed that Cruse’s company dishonestly billed Medicaid and misused funds intended for low-income pregnant women and new mothers. The case underscores significant disparities in health care services and aims to highlight the ongoing issue of corruption within programs meant to assist at-risk communities.
Milwaukee, WI – Precious Cruse, the former owner of Caring Through Love, a prenatal care company based in Milwaukee, was convicted on September 12, 2025, of 17 federal felony charges, including healthcare fraud, identity theft, paying kickbacks, and money laundering. This conviction is the result of a comprehensive investigation that exposed extensive fraudulent activities within Wisconsin’s prenatal care coordination program.
The charges stem from a revelation by a 2022 investigation which indicated that Cruse’s company was involved in dishonest practices within the state’s efforts to assist low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and their infants. This program aims to combat the alarmingly high rates of infant mortality, particularly within the Black community in Wisconsin, where Black infants are statistically three times more likely to die before their first birthday compared to white infants.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rick Frohling commented on the underlying purpose of Medicaid-funded initiatives, emphasizing their role in supporting vulnerable populations. The investigation found that Cruse’s operation engaged in highly unethical practices, including bribing pregnant women to join her program through offered incentives like car seats and diapers. Furthermore, Cruse’s company falsely billed Medicaid for services that were never provided, amassing over $700,000 in illicit gains over a ten-month period in 2021.
During the trial, the evidence showcased how fraudulently obtained funds were misused for personal luxuries. Prosecutors revealed that Cruse indulged in a lavish lifestyle financed by the fraudulent proceeds, which included travel, designer clothing, and an $18,000 diamond necklace intended for her child. Following the conviction, plans were put forward to confiscate these luxury items, including jewelry connected to the fraudulent activities.
Cruse is expected to face sentencing on January 20, 2026. She is looking at a minimum of two years for aggravated identity theft and could receive up to 20 years for each count of healthcare fraud. The case has highlighted the severe implications of corruption in programs designed to aid at-risk populations, especially in a state with critical health disparities like Wisconsin.
In addition to Cruse, another individual involved in similar fraudulent activities, Markita Barnes, a former owner of a different prenatal care company, is set to go to trial on November 10, 2025. This upcoming trial further underscores ongoing concerns about the integrity of services aimed at supporting vulnerable pregnant women and their children.
The fallout from this case has raised significant questions about the mechanisms in place to protect public funds and ensure that Medicaid services reach those in genuine need. The continued efforts of law enforcement and regulatory agencies remain crucial in addressing and dismantling fraudulent practices that undermine essential social support systems.
The situation serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of exploitation within healthcare systems, particularly in light of vulnerable populations that rely on such services for their wellbeing and that of their children. With this conviction, authorities aim to send a clear message that healthcare fraud will not be tolerated, especially when it directly affects the lives of at-risk individuals and families.
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Additional Resources
- BizTimes: New Deer District Sports Bar Eyes October Opening
- Wikipedia: Healthcare Fraud
- Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Prenatal Care Business Convicted of Health Care Fraud
- Google Search: Prenatal Care Fraud
- WTMJ: Milwaukee Business News
- Google Scholar: Prenatal Care Fraud
- BizTimes: Milwaukee Prenatal Care Business Operator Convicted of Health Care Fraud
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pregnancy and Health
- BizTimes: Palermos Employee Dies in Accident at New West Milwaukee Plant
- Google News: Milwaukee Prenatal Care Fraud
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
