Federal investigations often lead to serious charges against one or more individuals. A recent incident involved a Florida clinic owner accused of white collar crime. Federal officials claim the alleged fraud scheme netted approximately $900 million. It is also believed that the clinic owner did not act alone.
The 39-year-old infusion clinic owner apparently operated facilities under various titles. Many charges have since been filed against this person, including conspiracy to commit money laundering and six counts of health care fraud. A spokesperson from the Department of Justice said that Medicare beneficiaries were paid to act as patients at the clinics and provide beneficiary information to the alleged co-conspirators.
Reportedly, Medicare was billed for at least $11 million in intravenous prescription drugs that were never actually administered or even purchased. The so-called national take-down involved 301 people. Attorney General Loretta Lynch said that those accused attempted to use public monies for personal enrichment purposes.
This type of white collar crime is reportedly an ongoing problem in Florida and beyond. More than 3,000 people are said to have been charged with submitting fraudulent claims since 2007. Anyone convicted of such crimes stands to face up to 20 years in federal prison. Therefore, it is obvious that retaining the assistance of an experienced criminal lawyer who has successfully defended other high profile cases would be in the best interests of any person charged with similar offenses. Everyone is entitled to a fair trial, and mere accusations — in and of themselves — are not the equivalent of a criminal court conviction.
Source: orlndosentinel.com, “Four in Central Florida indicted on health-care fraud charges“, Naseem S. Miller, June 23, 2016