Federal authorities say a woman is charged in a scheme to defraud Medicaid of at least $650,000.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Charlotte said Wednesday that 37-year-old Charlotte Elizabeth Garnes is charged with health care fraud conspiracy and obstruction of official proceedings.

According to an indictment, Garnes was part of a scheme in which she gave her Medicaid provider number to others so they could submit fraudulent reimbursement claims for mental and behavioral health services. Garnes is a licensed professional counselor.

Garnes, who was arrested in Goldsboro, had her initial appearance in federal court in Raleigh on Wednesday. She faces up to 30 years in prison and fines totaling $500,000 if convicted on the two counts.

Two others have been sentenced to prison for their roles in the scheme.

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