In a significant crackdown on health care fraud, nine individuals in Florida found themselves charged with attempts to defraud government programs geared toward the elderly and disabled. This sweep was part of the wider 2024 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action, according to a statement from the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. Federal, state, and local partners collaborated to investigate and hold accountable those seeking to profit from controlled substances and taxpayer-funded programs.
U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg voiced his office's commitment "this enforcement action demonstrates my office’s resolve, and that of the Department of Justice, to protect these programs and the people they benefit from exploitation." Similarly, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized that whether one is a "It does not matter if you are a trafficker in a drug cartel or a corporate executive or medical professional employed by a health care company, if you profit from the unlawful distribution of controlled substances, you will be held accountable" justice will be served. As part of the efforts, 193 individuals were charged nationally, with an alarming $2.75 billion in false billings tied to the accused. Additionally, a haul of over $231 million, including currency, cars, and gold, was seized by the government.
The Florida cases are just one fragment of the nationwide enforcement that also involves specialized units like the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response and various Strike Forces spread across the country. These units are employing analytics and coordinated investigations to prosecute the alleged crimes. A public list detailing each current charge can be found on the United States Attorney's Office.
These charges span a spectrum of illegal activities, from kickback schemes to drug diversion ploys. For example, Ma Gracia Cadet, associated with DME companies, is charged with orchestrally orchestrating a $9.3 million scheme involving orthotic braces. Others, such as Eric Brewer, a registered nurse, allegedly went as far as stealing and tampering with fentanyl infusion bags at multiple Tampa-area hospitals. This latter case is currently being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Gordon of the Middle District of Florida.
In asserting their innocence until proven guilty, a key tenet of the judicial system is highlighted. Everyone charged in these sweeping actions will be subject to trial, where evidence will be presented. These charges serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against exploitation of vital health care services and the imperative to protect both the integrity of medical institutions and the trust of the public they serve.
