A Connecticut dentist has paid more than $600,000 to settle allegations that she paid kickbacks to someone tasked with recruiting Medicaid patients.

In a related criminal matter, Tong reported that Bethi pleaded guilty on Sept. 5, 2024 to conspiracy to violate the federal anti-kickback statute. As part of her plea, Bethi forfeited $500,000 and was sentenced to two years of probation.

Attorney Gen. William Tong and U.S. Attorney Vanessa Avery reached the false claims settlement with Lakshmi Bethi, DMD, and her business entities in New Haven.

A dentist and her former New Haven practices have agreed to pay more than $600,000 to resolve allegations they violated the federal and state False Claims Acts, according to U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut Vanessa Roberts Avery on Tuesday.