Former Jackson Health Foundation COO Pleads Guilty to $4.3 Million Embezzlement Scheme

Miami, Florida – Charmaine Gatlin, the former Chief Operating Officer of the Jackson Health Foundation, pleaded guilty to defrauding the organization of at least $4.3 million between 2014 and 2024. The 52-year-old executive admitted in federal court to orchestrating a scheme that diverted funds intended for Jackson Health System’s safety net hospitals and patients, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Justice.

"Charmaine Gatlin, the former Chief Operating Officer of the Jackson Health Foundation, pleaded guilty to defrauding the foundation out of at least $4.3 million between 2014 and 2024," stated the U.S. Department of Justice, as reported by Mike Netter. The tweet further noted, "The money was intended to support Jackson Health System’s safety net hospitals and patients. Instead, Gatlin, 52, diverted the funds to herself, her relatives or unrelated entities to pay for luxury goods, kickbacks and even a rose-gold golf cart for her home in Weston."

Federal prosecutors revealed that Gatlin exploited her executive position by approving approximately $2 million in invoices from a Georgia-based audiovisual company for services that were never rendered. The vendor, Yergan Jones, subsequently kicked back roughly $1 million to Gatlin, some of which she used to cover personal credit card bills. Jones pleaded guilty last month to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Gatlin also directed a merchandise vendor to purchase luxury items, including goods from Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Apple, for her in exchange for continued contracts with the foundation. In one instance, she arranged for a rose-gold golf cart to be delivered to her Weston home in 2023, disguised as a legitimate foundation expense. Despite earning a six-figure salary, ranging from $185,000 to $290,000 annually, Gatlin continued to misappropriate donor funds.

Gatlin was terminated from the Foundation in late 2024 after internal reviews flagged misconduct, leading the organization to alert the FBI. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, with U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom scheduled to pronounce sentencing on November 25. Jackson Health System CEO Carlos Migoya commented on the development, stating, "Today’s hearing is an important step toward justice being served."