Dr. Felipe Ruiz, a 51-year-old podiatrist, and Jose Gabriel Aguirre, a 52-year-old sales representative, are facing charges for allegedly conspiring to defraud the U.S. government by submitting false claims related to skin graft procedures. They were indicted by a federal grand jury, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith, as mentioned by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The indictment, according to court documents, charges Ruiz with purchasing skin grafts from Aguirre, who applied them incorrectly to patients and submitted fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medi-Cal. The scheme allegedly took place from June 2021 to January 2024. Investigators claim that Aguirre was referred to by patients as "Dr. Gabe," despite not having the proper license to perform the medical procedures. The government paid millions based on claims that falsely stated Ruiz had performed the treatments, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Ruiz operated West Coast Podiatry Inc. in Fresno, Madera, and Stanislaus Counties. Aguirre, a sales representative, is accused of conducting medical procedures without Ruiz's presence, which violates regulations. Aguirre is also said to have used various names, including his own, his wife’s, and a company registered to her, to sell skin grafts. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany M. Gunter handling the prosecution. Both Ruiz and Aguirre face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, though sentencing will depend on statutory factors and guidelines. "The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt," as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
