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To contact me, please click here: Rep.EdDiehl@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends,
I am calling for a state and federal investigation into possible $2.3M Medicaid fraud by Uplifting Journey LLC, linked to alleged Tren de Aragua gang members. I am also demanding an audit of OHA’s oversight failures and recovery of taxpayer funds.
I am concerned that this problem runs much deeper than one behavioral health provider.
 For Immediate Release
Date: September 23, 2025
Contact: Rep.EdDiehl@oregonlegislature.gov
Representative Ed Diehl Demands Investigation into Possible $2.3 Million Medicaid Fraud Case
SALEM, OR — In a letter sent today, Representative Ed Diehl (R-Stayton) has called on the Oregon Department of Justice’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General to investigate serious allegations of Medicaid fraud and oversight failures at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).
Investigative reporting revealed that Uplifting Journey LLC, founded in late 2023 by an individual using the name “Julius Maximo,” received more than $2.3 million in Medicaid reimbursements in less than a year. The company operated a Lake Oswego halfway house later tied to alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang, one of whom is facing charges in Washington State for kidnapping, torture, robbery, and attempted murder.
Despite these red flags, OHA approved daily reimbursement claims until March 2025. The company then abandoned its office and halfway house. Soon afterward, “Maximo” registered a second company — Restorative Journey — which OHA also approved for Medicaid billing.
“There is likely more than one fraudulent provider — I believe this exposes systemic failures in how Oregon vets and monitors Medicaid programs,” said Rep. Diehl. “Over $2 million in taxpayer money was funneled to what appears to be a sham company with ties to violent crime. Oregonians deserve accountability and reform.”
Rep. Diehl’s letter urges state and federal investigators to:
- Investigate Uplifting Journey, Restorative Journey, and related entities.
- Audit OHA’s provider enrollment and reimbursement processes.
- Recover taxpayer funds and pursue enforcement actions where appropriate.
- Recommend reforms to close systemic loopholes.
“Every dollar stolen by fraud is a dollar taken from vulnerable Oregonians who truly need care,” added Rep. Diehl. “OHA must have systems in place to prevent fraud.”
Copies of the letter were also sent to OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi and legislative committee chairs.
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Thank you for staying engaged as we work to protect the rights and livelihoods of Oregonians. I will continue fighting for the issues that matter most to House District 17 and keeping you informed every step of the way. Stay tuned for more updates.
In Liberty,
Representative Ed Diehl
House District 17
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Capitol Phone: 503-986-1417
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-378, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.EdDiehl@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/diehl
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