Ex-Texans LB pleads guilty in fraud scheme
A former Texans player has pleaded guilty to a felony charge in connection with a health care fraud scheme, according to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
The office announced that former Texans linebacker Shantee Orr, 40, had pleaded guilty to a third-degree felony in his case — “securing the execution of a document, namely checks, by deception,” according to a release. Online court records show the status of the case is deferred adjudication of guilt.
Multiple former players, including Orr, as well as an athletic trainer have been accused in the plot to defraud an NFL player trust fund by submitting fraudulent medical benefit claims, according to the release.
The release said Orr got probation for five years and paid the NFL trust account a restitution of $97,929. The former player allegedly got $129,194 in the scheme, but, according to the release, $31,265 allegedly went to Rehab Express owner Louis Ray, who also has been charged.
“While Mr. Orr entered a plea of guilty as part of a ‘negotiated plea agreement’ with the State, the crucial factor that must be underscored is the court’s decision to not make a finding that Mr. Orr was guilty of any crime whatsoever,” Ralphaell Wilkins,
Orr’s legal counsel, said in an email. “Mr. Orr was fully prepared to defend the criminal charge but made the reasonable choice to make full restitution to the NFL Player Trust Fund, put this matter behind him, move forward with his life and continue to make positive change in his community.”
Deferred adjudication of guilt has features including that the person can truthfully answer if asked that they haven’t been convicted of a felony, and that state law can allow the event to be, subject to certain qualifications and after an amount of time, nondisclosable to the public, Wilkins said in an interview.
Randy Schaffer, current legal counsel for Ray, said he typically doesn’t comment on pending cases until they’re resolved.
Rick Watson, a special assistant district attorney and prosecutor on the case, said in the district attorney’s office release that it’s “important to go after insurance fraud at all levels.”
“When we do, it helps protect the integrity of the system for everyone,” Watson said in the release.