Stephen Andrew Stepaniuk

Batch 1: Introduction to the CaseThis is a case of intrigue, manipulation, criminal histories, and fraud at Plaintiff MedicalExperts ML (“MLE”) and its predecessor companies. At the center of this deception is StephenAndrew Stepaniuk, a man who built a network of fraudulent medical evaluation businesses,deceiving employees, partners, and federal authorities alike.How It Began:Stephen Andrew Stepaniuk was the owner of multiple predecessor companies to MLE.However, in 2019, he and two of these companies were indicted on multiple counts offraud by federal prosecutors. This indictment created a financial crisis for Stepaniuk, asinsurance carriers became hesitant to pay out billings once his criminal activities were exposed.Batch 2: A New Scheme with Dr. TichioTo keep his fraudulent operations running, Stepaniuk convinced his longtime employee, Dr.Jee Tichio, to set up another company under a different name. The new company, MedicalExperts, Inc., was essentially a carbon copy of Stepaniuk’s previous fraudulentbusinesses — operating in the same office, with the same employees, and continuing the samedeceptive billing practices.Even though Dr. Tichio lived and worked 500 miles away from the office, he agreed toStepaniuk’s scheme, unwittingly becoming a part of the deception.Batch 3: The Transfer of OwnershipRealizing that prison time was inevitable, Stepaniuk attempted to offload his fraudulentempire. He pressured Dr. Tichio to purchase Medical Legal Evaluations, Inc. When Dr. Tichiorefused, a new player was introduced: Alvin Lee, a Canadian citizen with no experience inCalifornia’s medical legal evaluation industry.Under a shady deal, Lee purchased Stepaniuk’s companies along with Dr. Tichio’scompany. The structure of the new operation was highly questionable:● Dr. Tichio became the sole director of MLE.● Alvin Lee controlled all corporate offices.● All other companies were dissolved, leaving only MLE.This new arrangement conveniently removed Stepaniuk’s name from official documents whilestill allowing him to run the business from the shadows.Batch 4: Lack of Corporate Governance & Continued FraudDespite the supposed transition of ownership, there were no legitimate board meetings orrecords. Stepaniuk and Lee were unable to provide details of annual meetings, and each actedas if they had full control.Dr. Tichio continued performing his duties, unaware of the full extent of the deceit:● Assisting doctors in their exams and reports.● Providing regulatory guidance.● Managing continuing education for MLE’s physicians.● Reporting to Stepaniuk, who was supposedly no longer in control.Batch 5: Suspicious Payroll DistributionsWhile Dr. Tichio earned a salary of $150,000 per year as MLE’s director, Stepaniuk, under theguise of an IT technician, was paid a staggering $240,000 per year plus an additional$600,000 annually in software licensing fees.This arrangement made it evident that Stepaniuk was still running MLE behind the scenes,despite being under legal prohibition from the State Department of Industrial Relations.Batch 6: Stepaniuk Goes to Prison — But Maintains ControlIn January 2021, Stepaniuk was sentenced to federal prison at Lompoc. However, evenwhile incarcerated, rumors circulated within MLE that he was still managing companyoperations.Alvin Lee referred to Stepaniuk as “the boss” in meetings with Dr. Tichio, further confirmingthat the fraudulent network was still intact despite legal actions.Batch 7: Dr. Tichio’s Escape & Final WarningBecoming increasingly uncomfortable with the ongoing deception, Dr. Tichio decided to leaveMLE.● In February 2021, he incorporated his own company, United Medical Evaluators(UME), in Roseville, California.● In March 2021, he resigned from MLE, severing ties with Stepaniuk’s network.● Before leaving, he met with two doctors at MLE, warning them indirectly about the fraudby mentioning that the former owner was in prison.However, he did not explicitly name names or ask anyone to leave MLE, ensuring his departurewas discreet but firm.Conclusion: Exposing the FraudThis case exemplifies the lengths to which fraudsters will go to manipulate employees,deceive legal authorities, and evade justice.● Stephen Andrew Stepaniuk built a fraudulent medical evaluation empire.● Even after his federal indictment, he orchestrated new schemes under differentnames.● He used uninformed associates, like Dr. Tichio and Alvin Lee, to keep operationsrunning.● Even from prison, he continued exerting control over MLE.The exposure of this fraud serves as a warning to medical professionals, business owners,and regulatory agencies to remain vigilant against deceptive business practices and themanipulation of corporate structures for fraudulent purposes.