An El Paso medical equipment supplier has been sentenced to a five-year term in federal prison after orchestrating a $1.7 million health care fraud, authorities reported. Edelmira Marquez, 59, was the owner of Marquez Medical Supply, a supplier of durable medical equipment in the El Paso area, and was accused of billing Medicaid and Medicare for higher-priced items while supplying patients with less expensive alternatives.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Marquez's fraudulent activities primarily concerned continence supplies, which included adult diapers, wipes, and bed liners. Marquez was initially summoned to court on December 21, 2023, and was subsequently released on bond after her first appearance on January 19. She pleaded guilty on March 7 to a single count of conspiracy to fully commit healthcare fraud.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Texas Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, leading to her sentencing where she was also fined $20,000 and ordered to pay restitution for $1,739,608.59 to Medicaid. Marquez was immediately taken into federal custody upon sentencing.