Telehealth provider for Laconia company sentenced to 1 year in prison for Medicaid fraud

A former employee of a Laconia-based telehealth company will serve a year for Medicaid fraud, according to a media release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Dr. Erik X. Alonso, 55, of Miami, Florida, will serve one year and one day in prison, as well as pay restitution of $173,998.83, the amount illegally billed to state Medicaid from psychotherapy sessions. He pleaded guilty on Oct. 23, 2025, to one count of health care fraud.

Alonso was also placed on the exclusion list, a Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s list identifying people who cannot receive payment from federal health care programs.

Background information provided in the plea agreement states Alonso pleaded guilty “on or about Oct. 14, 2015, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud” in Florida.

Based on court documents, Alonso entered a contracted work agreement with LifeWorks Counseling on Feb. 14, 2022, owned by Gilford native Dr. David Ferruolo. The document was signed by both parties on March 4, 2022.

Almost two years later, on July 17, 2024, Alonso was suspended from LifeWorks. A copy of the suspension email reads, “I don’t think you fully grasp the depth of this situation and the catastrophe that could have or could still result from your actions.

“I find this situation unfortunate, frustrating, and I am distraught that you put LifeWorks in this position. However, I do wish the best for you and I hope this passes and you find green pastures in your near future.”

Alonso got the practice into hot water, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office previously entered into a resolution agreement with LifeWorks and Ferruolo, to resolve a civil matter, under which they paid $300,000 to resolve allegations the company violated the False Claims Act by improperly billing Medicaid for services provided by Alonso, who was excluded from the Medicaid program.

That agreement was reached Dec. 10, and Ferruolo paid his bill by tapping into his retirement savings, selling his home, a vehicle and a motorcycle. Additionally, as a direct result of the investigation, several of Ferruolo’s clinicians resigned, resulting in lost contracts to the tune of $400,000.

Things, though, are looking up for Ferruolo and LifeWorks.

“Understandably, I am deeply disappointed in Mr. Alonso, and am frustrated with the impact it has had. I built an awesome company that has been hurt by his actions. It can be very challenging when others attribute somebody else's actions to you personally and to the company you created,” Ferruolo wrote in an email on Thursday. “But, we persevered, are moving forward, and justice was done. I don't hold grudges. I don't have any ill will for Mr. Alonso. I hope he uses this time to reflect, and maybe even endeavor to become a better person. Who knows. The past is the past. We will survive and thrive again. I am moving forward. Forward is the only direction you can go.”

There is no longer mention of Alonso on the LifeWorks website, but court documents state his background includes over 25 years of counseling and executive coaching experience, and he holds a doctorate in forensic psychology.

One of four of his personal life-coaching websites are still active, and he's still been posting regularly on social media channels. Alonso did not respond to a request for comment.

In November, Ferruolo fervently launched three “high-level coaching books,” and appreciates the support he’s received from those in the Lakes Region.

“I have to say that I sincerely appreciate the tremendous support and outreach received from family, friends and so many members of the community,” he wrote. “I actually ended up rebuilding and re-launching one of my older coaching and development businesses.

“Like I said, always move forward. It's my mantra.”

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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.