© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Fraud Charges Filed In Investigation of Autism Services

AG Bill Schuette
File photo
/
WKAR-MSU
Attorney General Bill Schuette

Fraud charges have been filed against a woman who worked for Centria Healthcare, the largest provider of autism therapy in Michigan.

The attorney general's office announced charges Friday against Christine Leonard of Swartz Creek, who is accused of billing Medicaid for services that weren't performed.
 
Attorney General Bill Schuette calls it "fraud, pure and simple."
 
Records show Leonard appeared in court Friday in East Lansing and asked for a court-appointed lawyer.
 
She didn't immediately return a phone message seeking comment.
 
Schuette's office says a separate investigation of Centria remains opens.
 
The company has denied wrongdoing and is suing former employees who apparently have talked to investigators.
 
The state had offered an $8 million economic development grant to Centria but suspended it earlier this year.
 

Related Content
WKAR has closed the gap left by the loss of federal funding. Because of you, trusted journalism, inspiring stories, and classical music remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan.
Now the work continues — your monthly gift helps maintain this success and keeps public media free for all.