FBI copies files at SEMO Health Network in New Madrid

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- A health-care business in New Madrid is under investigation by the FBI.

A search warrant was executed Thursday at SEMO Health Network in New Madrid, officials confirmed Friday.

Ted Waters, attorney for SEMO Health Network, said rumors individuals were escorted out of the building in handcuffs Thursday are untrue.

"No one was led out in handcuffs," Waters said Friday. "They executed the warrant and they're done with that, and we're back in business."

Waters said the most important thing is that the health center -- which is a Federally Qualified Community Health Center -- is in business and serving patients, which is its mission.

"SEMO Health Network's top priority is providing vital primary and preventive health-care services to our individuals in our community, regardless of their ability to pay," said Agnes Harrington, president of SEMO Health Network's board of directors, in a statement.

On Thursday the U.S. Attorney's office executed a search warrant for administrative records at the administrative office in New Madrid, making copies of documents, according to Harrington.

"SEMO Health Network is audited regularly and has open books," Harrington said. "We are cooperating with the investigation. Moreover, we are open for business. We look forward to continuing to serve our patients and community."

Mark R. Aldrich with the FBI in St. Louis said in an email reply to the Standard Democrat on Friday that the FBI can neither confirm nor deny the investigation.

Pertinent address:

New Madrid, Mo.