The DA’s office believes no conflict of interest exists between HCCA executive Yorai “Benny” Benzeevi, District Attorney Tim Ward
TULARE COUNTY – In a broader case of malfeasance when Healthcare Conglomerate Associates was running the Tulare Hospital, the District Attorney’s office is combating new claims that there is a conflict of interest.
In 2020, three former healthcare executives, with Healthcare Conglomerate Associates (HCCA), were arrested and charged with crimes related to conspiring to steal millions of dollars from two hospital districts. One being the Tulare Hospital District and the other was a hospital in Lone Pine Calif. As the district attorney’s office continues to prosecute HCCA, the latest update is a motion for recusal.
On Dec. 13, the attorneys for defendant Yorai “Benny” Benzeevi, submitted a motion to recuse District Attorney Ward in the case against Beenzeevi, Alan Germany and counsel Bruce Green. While Benzeevi claimed Ward and himself spent time together outside of work life, the district attorney’s office does not believe there to be any conflict.
“We are in the process of evaluating the defense arguments; however, the office does not believe a conflict exists with this matter,” the Tulare County DA office said in a released statement.
The office of the DA asked for a continuance to respond. On Jan. 31, the people’s opposition will be held, followed by the defense’s opposition on Feb. 21. And as it stands now, the hearing will be held on March 13.
