Florida Nursing Assistant Convicted in $11.4 million Medicare Fraud Scheme
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A federal jury in Fort Lauderdale,Florida,has convicted a nursing assistant for his central role in a massive healthcare fraud and wire fraud conspiracy that bilked Medicare out of $11.4 million. The scheme involved the unneeded distribution of thousands of orthotic braces to hundreds of beneficiaries nationwide.
A senior official stated, “Defendant Chris Cruz blatantly lied to Medicare in order to steal over $11 million from hard-working taxpayers.†The guilty verdict underscores the Justice department’s commitment to prosecuting those who exploit federal healthcare programs for personal gain.
Elaborate Scheme to Defraud Medicare
According to evidence presented at trial, Christian “Chris†Cruz, 45, of Pompano Beach, Florida, operated a durable medical equipment (DME) supplier through which he submitted millions of dollars in false claims. The fraudulent claims were for orthotic braces deemed medically unnecessary by healthcare professionals.
Cruz and a co-conspirator allegedly paid illegal kickbacks and bribes to secure signed doctors’ orders. These orders were then used to ship the braces to Medicare beneficiaries, even those who had not requested or needed them. Cruz further misled Medicare by falsely claiming sole ownership of the company, concealing the involvement of a convicted felon — a detail that would have disqualified the business from medicare enrollment. The co-conspirator remains at large after being charged in connection with the scheme.
Millions Siphoned Through Cash Withdrawals
The illicit operation generated substantial personal profit for Cruz, who received “several hundred thousand dollars†deposited into his bank account. He frequently withdrew this money in cash, frequently enough in amounts just under the $10,000 reporting threshold, from various bank branches across South Florida. This practice suggests an attempt to evade scrutiny and conceal the source of the funds.
Severe Penalties and Ongoing Investigations
Cruz was found guilty on multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and wire fraud, four counts of healthcare fraud itself, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and three counts of structuring financial transactions to avoid reporting requirements. He faces a potential sentence of up to 125 years in prison.Sentencing is scheduled for April 13,with the final determination resting with a federal district court judge,considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.
The FBI and the HHS-Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) jointly investigated the case, highlighting the collaborative effort to combat healthcare fraud. An FBI representative emphasized, “The FBI and our partners will not relent in the pursuit of Medicare fraudsters — including greedy nurses.â€
National Effort to Combat Healthcare Fraud
This case is part of a broader national initiative led by the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and its Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since its inception in March 2007, the program has charged over 5,800 defendants, collectively responsible for billing over $30 billion to federal healthcare programs and private insurers.
A U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida stated, “healthcare fraud is not a paperwork offense—it is a crime that steals from seniors and undermines confidence in our healthcare system.†The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are also actively implementing measures to hold accountable providers involved in fraudulent schemes. More details on these efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
