Sharita Richardson went from respected educator and mental health business owner to federal inmate. Raised by a single mom in North Carolina, Sharita followed a passion for helping others, leaving behind a career in teaching to open her own mental health agency. But when government regulations changed and the money stopped flowing, she found herself in financial crisis — and made a life-altering decision. What started as a desperate move turned into a multi-million dollar Medicare fraud scheme. Years later, the FBI showed up. In this interview, Sharita breaks down how it all happened, the day she was arrested, and what 23 months in federal prison taught her about survival, guilt, and redemption.

00:00:00 The Rise and Fall of a Medicare Fraud Scheme

00:05:50 Career Shift from Law School to Teaching

00:11:45 Starting a Group Home: From Idea to Reality

00:17:52 The Journey from Teacher to Entrepreneur

00:24:11 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Insecurity

00:30:53 Discovering a System Scam

00:36:56 Mastering Accreditation Consulting

00:42:10 Understanding Fluffed Billing Practices

00:48:07 Understanding the Group Home Business Model

00:53:55 Struggling to Maintain Lifestyle Amidst Financial Pressure

01:00:00 Life-Altering Decision to Start Over

01:06:00 Unexpected Encounter with the FBI

01:12:01 Confrontation and Revelation at Starbucks

01:17:32 Understanding Conspiracy Charges

01:23:12 Life Transformation After Incarceration

01:29:11 Transitioning from Teaching to Entrepreneurship

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