Batch 1: Introduction to the Case
This is a case of intrigue, manipulation, criminal histories, and fraud at Plaintiff Medical Experts ML ("MLE") and its predecessor companies. At the center of this deception is Stephen Andrew Stepaniuk, a man who built a network of fraudulent medical evaluation businesses, deceiving employees, partners, and federal authorities alike.
How It Began:
Stephen Andrew Stepaniuk was the owner of multiple predecessor companies to MLE. However, in 2019, he and two of these companies were indicted on multiple counts of fraud by federal prosecutors. This indictment created a financial crisis for Stepaniuk, as insurance carriers became hesitant to pay out billings once his criminal activities were exposed.
Batch 2: A New Scheme with Dr. Tichio
To keep his fraudulent operations running, Stepaniuk convinced his longtime employee, Dr. Jee Tichio, to set up another company under a different name. The new company, Medical Experts, Inc., was essentially a carbon copy of Stepaniuk’s previous fraudulent businesses—operating in the same office, with the same employees, and continuing the same deceptive billing practices.
Even though Dr. Tichio lived and worked 500 miles away from the office, he agreed to Stepaniuk’s scheme, unwittingly becoming a part of the deception.
Batch 3: The Transfer of Ownership
Realizing that prison time was inevitable, Stepaniuk attempted to offload his fraudulent empire. He pressured Dr. Tichio to purchase Medical Legal Evaluations, Inc. When Dr. Tichio refused, a new player was introduced: Alvin Lee, a Canadian citizen with no experience in California’s medical legal evaluation industry.
Under a shady deal, Lee purchased Stepaniuk’s companies along with Dr. Tichio’s company. The structure of the new operation was highly questionable:
Dr. Tichio became the sole director of MLE.
Alvin Lee controlled all corporate offices.
All other companies were dissolved, leaving only MLE.
This new arrangement conveniently removed Stepaniuk’s name from official documents while still allowing him to run the business from the shadows.
Batch 4: Lack of Corporate Governance & Continued Fraud
Despite the supposed transition of ownership, there were no legitimate board meetings or records. Stepaniuk and Lee were unable to provide details of annual meetings, and each acted as if they had full control.
Dr. Tichio continued performing his duties, unaware of the full extent of the deceit:
● Assisting doctors in their exams and reports.
● Providing regulatory guidance.
● Managing continuing education for MLE’s physicians.
● Reporting to Stepaniuk, who was supposedly no longer in control.
Batch 5: Suspicious Payroll Distributions
While Dr. Tichio earned a salary of $150,000 per year as MLE’s director, Stepaniuk, under the guise of an IT technician, was paid a staggering $240,000 per year plus an additional $600,000 annually in software licensing fees.
This arrangement made it evident that Stepaniuk was still running MLE behind the scenes, despite being under legal prohibition from the State Department of Industrial Relations.
Batch 6: Stepaniuk Goes to Prison – But Maintains Control
In January 2021, Stepaniuk was sentenced to federal prison at Lompoc. However, even while incarcerated, rumors circulated within MLE that he was still managing company operations.
Alvin Lee referred to Stepaniuk as "the boss" in meetings with Dr. Tichio, further confirming that the fraudulent network was still intact despite legal actions.
Batch 7: Dr. Tichio’s Escape & Final Warning
Becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the ongoing deception, Dr. Tichio decided to leave MLE.
● In February 2021, he incorporated his own company, United Medical Evaluators (UME), in Roseville, California.
● In March 2021, he resigned from MLE, severing ties with Stepaniuk’s network.
● Before leaving, he met with two doctors at MLE, warning them indirectly about the fraud by mentioning that the former owner was in prison.
However, he did not explicitly name names or ask anyone to leave MLE, ensuring his departure was discreet but firm.
Conclusion: Exposing the Fraud
This case exemplifies the lengths to which fraudsters will go to manipulate employees, deceive legal authorities, and evade justice.
Stephen Andrew Stepaniuk built a fraudulent medical evaluation empire.
● Even after his federal indictment, he orchestrated new schemes under different names.
● He used uninformed associates, like Dr. Tichio and Alvin Lee, to keep operations running.
● Even from prison, he continued exerting control over MLE.
The exposure of this fraud serves as a warning to medical professionals, business owners, and regulatory agencies to remain vigilant against deceptive business practices and the manipulation of corporate structures for fraudulent purposes.