by Crystal, Minnesota — A joint investigation is underway into allegations of fraud and mistreatment at three group homes in Crystal operated by Empathy Home Care Inc.
Local police and state agencies are examining serious concerns involving patient care, Medicaid billing fraud, and past incidents — including a wrongful death.
What Happened
The Crystal Police Department, in collaboration with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, is investigating three group homes managed by Empathy Home Care Inc.
The probe follows multiple incidents and a recent raid on the properties. Officials say the number of police service calls to these homes far exceeds those of other similar facilities in the city.
Key Details
Crystal has 90 licensed group homes. However, the three operated by Empathy Home Care have generated more calls than all others combined, with 452 calls made in a 14-month period.
In July, 31-year-old Shaylah Brown died of an overdose at one of the group homes. Police say the employee on duty had no CPR training and made no attempt to administer aid.
Two substantiated maltreatment cases have been documented by the Minnesota Health Department, one resulting in a 2022 death and a wrongful death settlement.
Search warrants reveal suspicions of fraudulent Medicaid billing. Officials believe Empathy Home Care charged for services on days when residents were either missing or hospitalized.
Reactions or Statements
Assistant Police Chief Brian Hubbard noted the unusually high number of calls was a red flag:
“It drew our attention because we knew we were being called back to the same residence for the same issues.”
On the lack of life-saving measures in Brown’s case, Hubbard added:
“Certainly you would expect in a facility like that, they are going to attempt life-saving measures. That is part of what you’re paying these people to be able to do.”
Empathy Home Care CEO Fatou Jallow signed an agreement in November 2024 to resign as an assisted living director while appealing prior maltreatment findings. She has declined to comment on the current investigation.
Investigation or What’s Next
The Minnesota Department of Human Services has visited the group homes following the latest developments.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office is currently investigating Shaylah Brown’s death for possible criminal maltreatment.
Search warrants filed by the Attorney General’s Office suggest ongoing scrutiny over the company’s $6 million in annual Medicaid reimbursements.
FAQs
Who is conducting the investigation?
The Crystal Police Department and the Minnesota Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit are leading the investigation.
What prompted the investigation?
A high number of police calls, suspected fraud, and documented cases of mistreatment sparked concern among authorities.
Was anyone harmed?
Yes. At least two substantiated maltreatment cases occurred — one resulting in death in 2022. Another individual, Shaylah Brown, died in July 2024.
What is Empathy Home Care accused of?
Alleged Medicaid fraud and failure to provide adequate care, including untrained staff and poor emergency response.
What happens next?
Further legal action may follow, depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigations by state and county officials.
Summary / Final Takeaway
Empathy Home Care Inc. is at the center of a sweeping investigation in Crystal, Minnesota, involving alleged fraud and serious lapses in care across its group homes.
Authorities are examining the company’s Medicaid billing practices and past cases of mistreatment — including one that led to a wrongful death settlement.
With state and local officials actively pursuing the case, more developments are expected in the coming weeks.
