A physician whose wife tried to incinerate records from his Fort Worth and Weatherford pain management clinics was sentenced on Thursday to 10 years in prison for his role in a $10 million billing fraud.

Mark Kuper, an osteopath and owner of the Texas Center for Orthopedic and Spinal Disorders, in September pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Fort Worth to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud.

Kuper, 43, admitted that he conspired with his wife, Melissa Kuper, and Travis Couey, a physical therapist at the clinics, to defraud Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE, according to a stipulation of facts included in a factual resume filed in the case.

Mark Kuper fraudulently billed insurers for services, including physical therapy and psychotherapy, that the clinics never rendered and required patients to attend bogus appointments in order to receive controlled substance prescriptions.

He gave his wife access to the secure device and code he used to sign controlled substance prescriptions, allowing her to improperly dispense pain medications on her own initiative.

Beyond the prison term, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor ordered Mark Kuper to serve a three-year period of supervised release and make, with his wife and Couey, restitution of $4,209,890.81. O’Connor recommended to the Bureau of Prisons that Kuper be allowed to participate in a residential drug treatment program.

In 2017, Mark Kuper and the clinics received subpoenas from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services inspector general and the Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid fraud unit, according to the indictment.

Melissa Kuper set fire to billing and medical records at the couple’s house in the 4900 block of Corriente Lane near Benbrook, according to the indictment. The fire spread from the outdoor fireplace to the Kupers’ $1.6 million mansion, which was destroyed. Firefighters said they found charred records in the fireplace, according to the indictment.

Melissa Kuper and Couey pleaded guilty in September to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud. They were sentenced to prison terms of 18 months and 36 months.

Mark Kuper acknowledged that he submitted claims stating that his clinics had developed individualized physical therapy plans for each patient. The patients were actually meeting in groups with an athletic trainer who was not qualified to perform physical therapy, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.

Kuper on occasion billed as though he had provided more than 100 hours of work in a single day, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. From 2014 to 2017, he submitted more than $10 million in claims to Medicaid, Medicare, and TRICARE.

Kuper and his clinic agreed to settle with an agreed judgment of $11,190,222 a False Claims Act lawsuit that the U.S. Attorney’s Office civil division filed. Kuper agreed to liquidate his real estate portfolio and other assets to satisfy the civil judgment. A whistleblower, Richard Brown, will receive 17% of the government’s recovery.

This story was originally published February 26, 2021, 6:00 AM.

DALLAS, TEXAS (October 13, 2022) – Taylor Snoddy, Philip Wiegand, Eric Stockley, and Charles Hubbard of Northmarq’s Dallas investment sales office, secured the sale of Trinity Oaks and Clear Fork Trail. The apartment buildings represent a combined 334 units located within the Fort Worth MSA.

“The properties are located on the edge of Fort Worth’s new Waterside development. The buyer plans significant improvements to both communities to serve this growing job base. This was a smooth transaction despite current market conditions,” said Snoddy.

Lauren Bresky, managing director, and Kevin Leamy, senior vice president of Northmarq’s Dallas office finalized bridge financing for two multifamily properties. The acquisition loans were structured on a 5-year interest-only term with flexible prepay. Northmarq arranged the financings for the borrower through a bridge/mezzanine lender.

“We were pleased to work with the borrower as they expand their footprint in the DFW market with the acquisition of two well located assets, Trinity Oaks Apartments and Clear Fork Trail,” said Leamy.

Trinity Oaks: Located at 5608 Royal Lane, Benbrook, Texas, Trinity Oaks (built in 1980) lies less than 20 miles south of Fort Worth. Residents benefit from a suburban community with convenient access to city offerings. Recently renovated, each of the 166 units contain wood-style flooring and new lights. The Trinity Oaks community can enjoy a resort-style swimming pool, fully equipped fitness center, and spacious courtyards for furry friends to explore.

Clear Fork Trail: The 168-unit property (built in 1980) is located at 5707 Bellaire Drive South, Benbrook, Texas. Clear Fork Trail is 5 miles from the trailhead of Trinity Trails, giving residents the opportunity to enjoy the nature of Benbrook. Community members can also enjoy the convenience of an outdoor swimming pool, BBQ grill, tennis court, and lounge area.

Northmarq is a full-service capital markets resource for commercial real estate investors, offering seamless collaboration with top experts in debt, equity, investment sales and loan servicing. We combine industry-leading capabilities with a flexible structure, enabling our national team of experienced professionals to create innovative solutions for clients. Our solid foundation and entrepreneurial approach have built an annual transaction volume of more than $37 billion and a loan servicing portfolio of nearly $76 billion. Through the 2022 acquisition of Stan Johnson Company and Four Pillars Capital Markets, Northmarq introduces clients to expanded opportunities across all major asset classes.

Jackson-Shaw, a national real estate development company headquartered in North Texas, announced Thursday the development of Chisholm 20, a Class A, four-building, 917,374-square-feet business park in Benbrook, Texas. Jackson-Shaw broke ground Wednesday with anticipated delivery in the third quarter of 2023. Chisholm 20 is located at the northeast corner of Interstate 20 and Winscott Road, near U.S Route 377 and Loop 820 in the popular South Fort Worth Submarket.

“Chisholm 20 will be a best-in-class development in a strategic location with incredible visibility and direct access to and from Interstate 20, making it ideal for logistics and e-commerce tenants. said Jackson-Shaw Vice President of Development Miles Terry. “South Fort Worth is one of the most active submarkets in DFW with close proximity to labor and rooftops. The construction of the $1.4 billion Chisholm Trail Parkway in 2014, connecting Benbrook and area suburbs with Downtown Fort Worth, has served as a catalyst for tremendous growth, and we’re uniquely positioned right in the middle of it.”

Building one is 284,580 square feet, building two is 377,844 square feet, building three is 174,137 square feet and building four is 80,773 square feet. Buildings are designed with flexibility for multiple tenants, 60-foot speed bays,32 to 36-foot clear heights and significant trailer storage.

Chief Partners is the equity partner, Ridgemont Commercial Construction is the general contractor, GSR Andrade is the architect, Kimley-Horn is the civil engineering firm and Veritex Community Bank and Comerica Bank are the lenders. The leasing team is CBRE’s Steve Koldyke, Kacy Jones and Brian Gilcrest.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a $49 million housing development that will bring 80 new affordable apartments to downtown Yonkers. Landy Court, a seven-story building located on School Street, will include homes reserved for formerly unhoused residents who will have access to on-site supportive services.

“As we work to fight homelessness and provide housing stability to all New Yorkers, it is critical that we expand access to supportive housing and quality healthcare,” Governor Hochul said. “Our investment in Landy Court will provide 48 individuals and families with the on-site care and services they need to thrive. By creating new affordable housing options in downtown Yonkers, we will improve the quality of life of our most vulnerable neighbors and strengthen the community they call home.”

Landy Court is part of Governor Hochul’s sweeping plans to make housing more affordable, equitable, and stable. In the recently enacted State Budget, the Governor successfully secured a new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan that will increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. As part of that plan, this week the Governor signed new legislation to help convert underutilized hotel space into affordable housing for low-income and formerly homeless New Yorkers.

Landy Court consists of 80 apartments for households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income. The School Street location was originally comprised of three parcels with vacant buildings that have been demolished.

Residents of the supportive apartments will receive services through St. Joseph’s Medical Center. These services include individual case management, educational services, employment assistance, psychiatric and behavioral health coordination and substance abuse support, along with referral services with the hospital’s in-network array of programs.

Residential amenities include a community room with a kitchen, staff offices, an exercise room, a library, laundry facilities, and a rooftop garden. The development also includes 2,200 square feet for social services office space to be used by St. Joseph’s and 34 parking spaces.

Landy Court is located within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, bus lines, parks, municipal services, and the St. Joseph’s main hospital campus.

State financing for the $49 million development includes $15.1 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, Federal Low-Income Tax Credits that generated $17.2 million in equity and $10.7 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance provided $2.8 million through the Homeless Housing Assistance Program. The New York State Office of Mental Health provided construction financing and $345,000 in Program Development Grant funding to support start-up costs such as furniture, staff recruitment, and training.

OMH also provided funding for rental subsidies and supportive services. The development team consists of St. Joseph’s Medical Center and Concern Housing, Inc.

Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “In the last decade, HCR has invested over $462 million to create and preserve 3,500 affordable homes in Yonkers. The $49 million Landy Court builds upon this success with an additional 80 apartments, including 48 with on-site supportive services. Along with our partners, St. Joseph’s Medical Center and Concern Housing, Inc., we are helping residents build stable and successful lives in a modern building with easy access to transit and services. This development demonstrates how we can fight homelessness and housing insecurity while keeping our downtowns thriving. Congratulations to everyone who played a role in bringing this development to Yonkers.”

OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Landy Court will provide people living with mental illness with the on-site services and the safe and stable homes they need to live full and productive lives in their own communities. This is a great addition to downtown Yonkers and another example of Governor Hochul’s commitment to helping vulnerable New Yorkers, and we at OMH are proud to have played a role in its construction.”

State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz said, “Supportive housing plays a critical role in ensuring long-term housing stability for many who have experienced homelessness. Landy Court provides permanent housing paired with supportive services for adults with a serious mental illness, while also bringing renewed vitality to a city block previously characterized by vacant, dilapidated buildings. This project, like many others supported through the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, further demonstrates Governor Hochul’s unwavering commitment toward ensuring all New Yorkers have access to safe, affordable homes.”

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said, “Congratulations to St. Joseph’s Medical Center on the vision and completion of this wonderful addition to our city’s housing stock. St. Joseph’s has long been a cornerstone of our community and this project demonstrates their continued commitment to the needs of our residents, providing new, quality affordable housing.”

Assemblyman Nader Sayegh said, “All Yonkers residents deserve to live in affordable, safe, and vibrant neighborhoods which is why I voted in favor of New York State’s 5-year plan to add 100,000 affordable housing units. Working together with State and Local Government, community organizations, and developers, we can tackle the housing crisis and make our city a more affordable place for everyone.”

State Senate Majority-Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “The naming of this development is a great and fitting tribute to Jim Landy and all his efforts to create affordable housing in Yonkers in his roles as Chair of the Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers and Chair of St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Landy Court is a unique and innovative development, which will not only provide safe, low-cost housing for those that will live there, but provide rental subsidies and on-site supportive services for 48 formerly homeless adults. The whole community benefits when partnerships such as this one between St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Concern Housing, Inc., the New York State Office of Mental Health, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and Homes and Community Renewal exist. I understand how critical affordable housing is, which is why I’ve strongly prioritized funding for these agencies.”

County Executive George Latimer said, “Westchester County is pleased to have played a part in the redevelopment of vacant buildings on School Street in Yonkers, which will now provide 80 units of affordable housing for families, and 48 units dedicated to adults struggling with homelessness. The completion of Landy Court adds to our mission to create and sustain affordable housing in Westchester, while providing necessary support services and helping to revitalize this Yonkers community.”

Saint Joseph’s Medical Center President and CEO Michael Spicer said, “Saint Joseph’s affordable and supportive housing meets a significant need in our community. The 32 affordable housing units provide an attractive, new permanent place to live for local individuals and families who meet the qualifications. The 48 supportive apartments will meet the needs of those individuals who have demonstrated the ability to live independently in the community with on-site support services. This program is designed to offer support and assistance to help individuals maintain skills of daily living and foster successful integration in the community. The building has been named, Landy Court, after James J. Landy, our Chairman of our Board and longtime supporter of affordable housing.”

The Cartwright Ranch from Benbrook, TX has been commissioned to provide the stagecoach, two wagons, and a buggy to carry Freestone County dignitaries in the Freestone County 100-Year Traditions and Heritage Celebration Parade on Monday, June 13, 7 p.m. in downtown Fairfield.

The Cartwright Ranch stagecoach driver will be accompanied by Freestone County Sheriff Jeremy Shipley. One of the Cartwright wagons will carry the Freestone County Commissioners while the other Cartwright wagon will carry the Freestone County Fair Association Directors.

Parade Marshals Don Beene of Mexia, formerly of Fairfield, and Herbert R. Casey, Jr. of Teague will ride down the streets of the parade in a Cartwright buggy.

The Cartwright’s Stagecoach will also be featured during the Freestone County Fair & Rodeo 100-Year Celebration UPRA rodeos. The two performances will be held on Friday and Saturday night, June 17 and 18, starting both nights at 8 p.m. on the W. L. Moody Fair Grounds in Fairfield, Texas.

Both Texas natives, Georgia and Alan Cartwright own the Cartwright Ranch in Benbrook, Texas and where they are both nationally known for their stagecoach “Hitch Driver” skills.

Alan Cartwright, a Benbrook native, has been performing since age 6. A member of the Screen Actors Guild sinch 1975, Alan has worked in many aspects of the entertainment industry. He has performed in over 6,000 live appearances and “Wild West Show” productions at rodeos, amusement parks and fairs, nationwide.

In addition, Alan has worked on numerous films, television shows, commercials, still shots and print ads. Some of his projects include “Bronco Billy”, “Wishbone”, Texas Tourism, print ads for Winston and international Marlboro video ads. Alan also drove the “South Point Casino Stagecoach” in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in 2020.

Georgia, a native Texan, was raised in a “show horse” family with the love and respect for horses. She began training her own horses at age 12 and started riding horses for the public at age 18.

In the last 25 years, Georgia has expanded her driving disciplines to include single, teams and multiple hitch teams. George is one of the few women you will see that is an accomplished 6-up driver. She has driven in hundreds of parades, civic events, commercials, and private functions.

Both Alan and Georgia had the great honor of being chosen to drive a six-horse hitch in the Tournament of Roses “Rose Parade” in Pasadena, CA two years in a row.

In addition to their many accomplishments, Georgia and Alan take the most pride in their love for their Western Heritage. The Cartwrights love introducing young and old to their western way of life and their love of the western culture.

Visit the website www.fcfar.org or Facebook page Freestone County Fair and Rodeo Association for more information and schedule of events including the parade, nightly entertainment, queen coronation, home and garden show, livestock show and sale, youth rodeo and the UPRA rodeos celebrating the 100-Year Traditions and Heritage of the Freestone County Fair and Rodeo Association.

(Submitted by FCFA, Kelly Tyus)

Surveillance video captured the moment a tornado tore through part of the deck and lifted a large metal awning into the air before the storm tore it apart.

BENBROOK, Texas — From a distance, it was difficult to see that a tornado tore through the old Benbrook Lake Marina.

Much of the family-owned marina suffered serious damage after last Monday’s tornado touched down in the area.

Surveillance video taken form the marina captured the tornado’s wrath last Monday.

Within a matter of seconds, the tornado tore through part of the deck and lifted a large metal awning into the air before it tore it apart.

Chandler Rogers, whose father owns the marina, told WFAA that five boats suffered severe damage. Some of the boats ended up underwater.

“It just got tossed up like a ragdoll,” Rogers said.

The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-0 tornado touched down in Benbrook with winds of up to 85 mph.

The marina, which has been in the family for nearly two decades, has suffered damage before.

Six years ago, it was hit by another tornado.

“Our first thought was there’s no way we could get hit by another one,” Rogers said.

The damage is hurting their bottom line. It damaged their boat slips and docks. Over the last week, the family has spent long days clearing away the damage and lifting boats out of the water.

Rogers said without repairs, the marina will go out of business.

“For me, personally, the worst part is thinking my dad’s gonna have to sell this place,” Rogers said.

Now, the family is asking the community to help them rebuild. They’ve launched an online fundraising campaign in an effort to raise money for the repairs, which they estimate would cost more than a million dollars.

Rogers said beyond the money, the little marina means much more to him and his family.

“I’ve been coming here since I was five,” Rogers said. “Memories go back as far as I can remember being here.”

He hopes the family will be able to make new memories at the lake long after the whirlwind of destruction.