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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe FBI conducted an investigation Tuesday morning at the Carmel home of James Burkhart, CEO of American Senior Communities, the state’s largest provider of nursing home care.
An FBI truck was parked in front of the home on Suffolk Lane, according to Carmel Police Lt. Joe Bickel. Carmel police are assisting the FBI but not participating in the investigation.
An FBI spokeswoman declined to comment on the reason for the probe.
“The only thing I can confirm is that the FBI is investigating activity in the area, the nature of which can’t be disclosed at this time,” said FBI Special Agent Wendy Osborne.
American Senior Communities has long-term health care centers throughout Indiana, including more than 30 in central Indiana. It is the largest member of the Indiana Health Care Association and was a significant force last year behind efforts to impose a moratorium on new nursing home construction.
Unnamed sources told WRTV Channel 6 that the FBI raid is connected to American Senior’s work with Health and Hospital Corp. American Senior is HHC’s private-sector partner in operating 61 skilled-nursing facilities in Indiana. Less than half of those nursing homes are in the Indianapolis area.
Curt Brantingham, a spokesman for HHC, issued a written statement that acknowledged HHC is working with federal authorities but is not the target of their investigation. HHC is the public entity that operates the Eskenazi Health hospital system and the Marion County Health Department
"HHC is assured that HHC and its employees are not the target or subject of any investigation and that this investigation is not related to the care that any patient has received at any of HHC’s nursing homes," Brantingham wrote. He added, "HHC is working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s office and the FBI to assist and cooperate."
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