Former CEO of SEMO Health Network pleads guilty to submitting false grant documents

ST. LOUIS -- Cheryl Ann White pled guilty to conspiring to create and submit numerous false documents related to Southeast Missouri Health Network Inc. to federal agencies from 2004 to 2013.

White, 56, of New Madrid, pled guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to submit false documents before United States District Judge Carol E. Jackson Monday, in St. Louis. Sentencing has been set for July 30, 2014.

She now faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

According to court documents, Southeast Missouri Health Network, Inc., (SEMO) is a non-profit, federally qualified health center (FQHC), which provides health services in six counties in southeast Missouri. SEMO had administrative offices and medical, dental, and fitness centers in Benton, Bernie, Kennett, Matthews, New Madrid, Portageville, Senath and Sikeston.

White was the chief executive officer of SEMO and a non-voting member of the board of directors until December 2013.

-Reprinted from the Standard-Democrat, Sikeston, MO