News Release - Miami-Dade Couple Arrested for $1 Million Medicaid Fraud

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Attorney General Bill McCollum News Release

July 6, 2007

en Español

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Media Contact: Sandi Copes
Phone: (850) 245-0150

Miami-Dade Couple Arrested for $1 Million Medicaid Fraud

~ Company falsely billed for durable medical equipment ~

TALLAHASSEE, FL – A South Florida husband and wife were arrested today and charged with organized fraud for falsely billing the Florida Medicaid program more than $1 million, Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced. Fernando and Ileana Fonts, the owners and operators of Free Line Medical Equipment, Inc., were arrested this morning by authorities with the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

“Our Medicaid program exists to ensure that our citizens receive the medical care they need,” said Attorney General McCollum. “When individuals attempt to steal those funds, other people in genuine need are victimized.”

Investigators with the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit began investigating the couple’s company after receiving information from the Agency for Health Care Administration. The Hialeah-based business was licensed as a retailer of durable medical equipment such as oxygen concentrators and nebulizers for treating patients with severe breathing problems. Authorities believe that the Fonts delivered faulty equipment or never delivered the equipment, but billed the Medicaid program for fully functional equipment ostensibly delivered to Medicaid recipients. The false billing allegedly continued for approximately 20 months.

The Fonts are charged with one count each of grand theft and organized scheme to defraud, both first-degree felonies. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and fines of $10,000 per count. The case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office for the 11th Judicial Circuit.