Two Rhode Island residents were charged after the Justice Department announced a $6.5 billion healthcare fraud crackdown.

The department said 455 defendants were charged, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes.

Mareli Arias Batista, 57, of Providence, was charged with false representation of a social security number, aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, false statement in application for a passport, use of a false passport and bank fraud in connection with a scheme to obtain benefits using the identity of another person.

Officials said Batista fraudulently obtained approximately $28,236.42 in Rhode Island Medicaid benefits.

Balni Pimental Lara, 59, of Providence, was also charged with false representation of a social security number, aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, and health care fraud, in connection with a scheme to obtain benefits using the identity of another person.

According to officials, Lara fraudulently obtained approximately $24,018.86 in Rhode Island Medicaid benefits.

Bhamin Chhatrapati, 40, of Stoughton, Mass., was charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with over $5.1 million fraudulently billed to Medicare, of which over $2.6 million was paid.

Approximately 1,079 medical providers were suspended and billing privileges were revoked for 1,403 providers.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Former Rhode Island House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi loses an attempt to stop an ethics complaint against his bid for a seat on the state Supreme Court.

The state Ethics Commission voted Tuesday to deny Shekarchi’s motion to dismiss the complaint filed in May.

The Ethics Commission voted June 2 to further investigate the complaint.

The question is whether Shekarchi’s attempt for a lifetime spot on the bench violates Rhode Island’s anti-corruption revolving door law.

The law prevents sitting lawmakers from taking most other state jobs for at least a year after leaving office.

Shekarchi resigned as House Speaker on May 8 to seek nomination to the Supreme Court.

He kept his House seat.

That same day, Roger Williams University law professor Michael Yelnosky filed an ethics complaint.

Shekarchi argues a Supreme Court seat is an exemption from the revolving door law, like other constitutional offices including governor.

The Ethics Commission’s prosecutor argues the high court seat is not exempt.

The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at June 22, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from June 22 drawing

17-19-21-45-48, Powerball: 13, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Numbers numbers from June 22 drawing

Midday: 7-0-8-0

Evening: 0-0-6-8

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from June 22 drawing

03-19-29-33-38, Extra: 18

Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from June 22 drawing

07-08-20-24-42, Bonus: 05

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

• Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
• Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
• Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.