Former healthcare exec admits to bribing lawmakers, still may face attempted murder charges

Mike Cranford, a former executive at Preferred Family Healthcare and lobbyist, has pleaded guilty to his role in a multimillion dollar bribery and embezzlement scheme, according to the Springfield News-Leader.

Preferred Family Healthcare provides help for patients with substance abuse and behavioral health issues and employment assistance. Mr. Cranford admitted to his  role in a $4 million scheme that included bribing several Arkansas legislators in exchange for favorable legislation that could benefit Preferred Family Healthcare and other clients of his.

Federal prosecutors have also filed a motion alleging Mr. Cranford attempted to hire a hitman to murder a co-defendant in the bribery case, Donald Jones. So far Mr. Cranford has not been charged with any crimes regarding the murder-for-hire plot, though he could be prosecuted later.

Preferred Family Healthcare denounced Mr. Cranford and his co-defendants in a statement, saying they acted without organizational directive.

"Mr. Cranford's guilty plea contains admissions and allegations which demonstrate clearly the extent to which Preferred Family Healthcare was victimized by the actions of former employees and representatives of PFH. The actions of those individuals placed personal financial gain over the charitable mission of Preferred Family Healthcare," said spokesperson Reggie McElhannon, according to the Springfield News-Leader. "Their actions do not in any way reflect the values, behaviors or actions of our current leadership and the more than 4,000 dedicated employees who daily work to provide much needed services in countless communities."

 

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