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COURTLAND

Ricky Lee Sykes of Franklin pleaded guilty to three felonious charges related to medical fraud in a plea agreement on Feb. 18 in Southampton County Circuit Court. According to the Virginia Courts website, this date was originally scheduled for a motion for defense.

Sykes and his wife, Shona Whitfield Sykes, were arrested on March 25, 2019, on numerous charges relating to medical fraud dating as far back as April 1 and July 1 in 2013.

Southampton County Clerk of Court Richard Francis confirmed earlier this week that Sykes pleaded guilty to two charges of making false statements for medical assistance, and one charge of taking money under false pretense. All other charges against him will not be prosecuted. Likewise, all charges against his wife will also not be pursued.

Sykes gave a restitution check in the amount of $35,821.90, which according to Francis, was then sent directly to the Virginia Department of Medical Assistant Services.

Pre-sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, April 23.

When contacted, Sykes replied via email the following statement: “I decided to accept the plea because I was responsible for Joy Haven LLC’s billing when the errors occurred. The errors were not intentional; but, because they happened, I am accepting the responsibility. This is a chapter in my life and it does not define who I am. In life, we do what’s best for our family.”