American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals Season 8 Episode 4 $udden Death / Hip Hop Hustle
- April 9, 2014
In season 8 episode 4 of American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals, titled "$udden Death / Hip Hop Hustle," viewers are taken on a journey into the world of high stakes fraud and deception. The episode tells the story of two separate and distinct scams, both of which involve the exploitation of people's dreams and trust.
The first scam, "$udden Death," involves a corrupt doctor named Jacques Roy who was at the center of one of the largest Medicare fraud schemes in American history. Roy had built up a successful practice in the Dallas area that specialized in home healthcare services, which are covered by Medicare. Over the course of several years, Roy and his accomplices submitted hundreds of millions of dollars in fraudulent Medicare claims for patients who did not need or receive the services they were billed for. The scheme involved a complex network of recruiters, falsified medical records, and kickbacks for patients who agreed to participate.
The episode details the investigation into Roy's activities, which involved undercover agents posing as patients, as well as the efforts by prosecutors to bring him to justice. The scam had devastating consequences for many of the patients involved, who were subjected to unnecessary medical procedures and in some cases had their personal information stolen. The episode also explores the motives behind Roy's actions, which included a desire for wealth and status, as well as a personal vendetta against the government.
The second scam, "Hip Hop Hustle," involves the world of music and entertainment, and specifically focuses on the story of James Rosemond, also known as Jimmy Henchman. Rosemond was a former music manager who had worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Sean Combs and Tupac Shakur. However, he had also built up a reputation as a ruthless criminal who was involved in drug trafficking and other illegal activities.
The episode explores the details of Rosemond's hip hop empire, which included a talent management company and a record label. However, Rosemond's success was built on a foundation of deceit and fraud, as he used his connections to defraud investors and artists out of millions of dollars. The scam involved falsified financial statements, forged contracts, and a web of lies designed to keep people in the dark.
The episode also highlights the devastating consequences of Rosemond's actions, which left many investors and artists destitute and disillusioned. It also explores the role that the hip hop industry played in facilitating Rosemond's crimes, with many insiders turning a blind eye to his activities in order to profit from the success of his clients.
Overall, American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals season 8 episode 4 is a chilling look into the world of high stakes fraud and criminal activity. Both stories highlight the damaging effects of greed and deception, as well as the importance of justice and accountability in protecting the public from those who seek to exploit them. The episode serves as a warning to anyone who may be tempted to pursue wealth and success at the expense of others, and a reminder of the devastating costs of such actions.