by Nick Delgado

Guam - A former Commonwealth health center employee and his spouse were indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly conspiring and engaging in health care theft, fraud and money laundering. Melvin Ada and his wife Leydai Ada were each charged with conspiracy to commit theft and embezzlement in connection with health care. The indictment alleges from January 2006 through August 2011, the couple misappropriated and diverted 46 CNMI treasury checks totaling over $1.7 million, and deposited the checks in back accounts they controlled. Melvin is also accused of modifying and creating false invoices to cause the CHC and CNMI treasury to issue the checks.

The pair face a maximum of 20 years behind bars and a $500,000 fine, restitution and three years supervised release.