A high-profile bribery scandal involving a Missouri-based behavioral health care charity, Preferred Family Healthcare, that impacted Arkansas has led to more than 20 guilty pleas and convictions, including former state senators and lobbyists. The leaders of the charity, Tommy Ray Goss and Bontiea Bernedette Goss, are set to be sentenced in April after entering into plea agreements in September 2022.
Bontiea Goss pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge, agreeing to pay restitution of up to $4.3 million along with her husband, while Tommy Goss admitted to aiding in the preparation of false tax returns. The Internal Revenue Service has confirmed that the charity agreed to pay over $8 million in forfeiture and restitution as part of a non-prosecution agreement.
The scandal involved hiring state senators and using legislative influence to benefit the charity, as well as providing cash payments to lawmakers in exchange for official actions. The Gosses could face possible incarceration and substantial financial costs as a result of their actions. The charity, which was once one of the largest providers of behavioral health services in Arkansas, has since ceased operations in the state.
Former state senators and lobbyists involved in the scandal have faced jail time, with some being released on home confinement or having completed their sentences. The sentencing of the Gosses will mark a significant milestone in bringing justice to those involved in the corruption scandal that rocked the state’s behavioral health care industry.
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