Phoenix Pastor Indicted: Attorney Josh Kolsrud Defends Client Over Fraud Allegations

In a recent 12 News broadcast, a significant development unfolded regarding the indictment of a Phoenix pastor and his church, Hope of Life International Church. The pastor stands accused in connection with a massive fraud and money laundering scheme, one of the largest associated with a sober living home scandal in the state. Defense attorney Josh Kolsrud passionately defended his client during the interview.

Details of the Allegations

The indictment involves 20 individuals tied to a scheme that allegedly involved billing the Arizona Healthcare Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) for mental health and substance abuse treatments for clients who were either deceased or incarcerated. Allegedly, Happy House Behavioral Health received over $60 million fraudulently. It is also claimed that $5 million was transferred to Hope of Life International Church in July 2023, with a subsequent $2 million wired to Rwanda.

Kolsrud's Defense of the Pastor

Kolsrud highlighted that his client, the pastor, was unaware of any fraudulent activities. "Just because he rented his property out, he's now being indicted on four different counts of fraud and abuse," Kolsrud stated, emphasizing the pastor's lack of involvement in the fraudulent operations. According to the attorney, his client is being unfairly targeted, with the authorities deflecting blame for their oversight.

Criticism of the Attorney General's Actions

The attorney general's office, led by Chris Mays since January 2023, began cracking down on widespread fraud in the sober living home sector. Despite the pastor's claims of innocence, Kolsrud argued that the state's actions were an attempt to cover up their own failings, as the fraudulent activities reportedly started in August 2022, months before Mays took office.

The Broader Impact

The broader context of the "silver living scandal" has reportedly cost Arizona approximately $2 billion, with significant amounts subsequently recovered. As this case continues to develop, the spotlight remains on both the alleged perpetrators and the systems that allowed such activities to proliferate.

Continuing Legal Battle

Kolsrud is determined to defend his client vigorously, asserting his client’s lack of involvement and wrongful indictment in this high-stakes legal battle. As the case unfolds, the outcome may shed light on both individual responsibility and systemic issues within Arizona's healthcare fraud detection and prevention.