Overview
- Debbie Long, charged Tuesday in Milwaukee County, faces multiple felonies over what prosecutors call a yearslong scheme tied to her company, Pinnacle Home Health Care, with an initial appearance set for July 16.
- Court filings say Pinnacle billed for personal-care services that never happened between 2017 and 2022, including a paid claim for 13,550 hours in a single day, with an analysis pointing to roughly $2.1–$2.2 million in improper payments from about $8.28 million received overall.
- Prosecutors allege Long secured a $219,072 Paycheck Protection Program loan in May 2020 by overstating staff and payroll, citing state labor records that list 46 employees rather than the 120 reported to lender BMO Harris.
- Investigators say proceeds were moved through three shell companies and used to buy Kitt's Frozen Custard in 2020 and to help fund a Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 and Milwaukee’s Octopus Car Wash, with Kitt’s now operating under different owners.
- Long’s attorney, speaking Friday, called the complaint a weak case, said the business is owed money due to a past payment freeze, and vowed to fight the charges at the July hearing.