The state of Missouri filed a civil lawsuit against the operator of the group home where 10 people died in a fire last month.

Joplin River of Life Ministries Inc. defrauded Medicaid of $689,000 by hiding the fact that one of its principals, Robert J. DuPont, had been convicted of healthcare fraud, according to state Attorney General Jeremiah W. Nixon. DuPont is the organization’s director, despite the fact that his wife, Laverne DuPont, is listed as executive director, Nixon’s office said.

Joplin River operates the Anderson Guest House, where 10 people were killed in a fire on Nov. 27, and three other guest homes. In related news, the Department of Health and Senior Services said it had revoked the organization’s license to operate the group homes, which will be closed Jan. 5.