Florida Nursing Assistant Convicted in $11.4M Medicare Fraud Scheme
By the Constantine Cannon Whistleblower Team
On January 22, a federal jury convicted Florida-based nursing assistant and durable medical equipment (DME) supplier owner Christian “Chris” Cruz for his role in an $11.4 million healthcare fraud and wire fraud conspiracy.[1]
What Was the Alleged Scheme?
According to prosecutors, Cruz submitted false claims for hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries and they were sent thousands of medically unnecessary orthotic braces.
Cruz allegedly received several hundred thousand dollars in fraud proceeds in his personal bank account, which he withdrew in cash under the reporting threshold of $10,000 at different banks in South Florida.[2]
Illegal Kickbacks and Bribes
The government further alleged that Cruz and his co-conspirator paid illegal kickbacks and bribes to obtain signed doctors’ orders and were then used to ship the orthotic braces to Medicare beneficiaries and bill Medicare for reimbursement.
Cruz falsely represented that he was the sole owner and operator of the company when he shared ownership with his co-conspirator, a convicted felon. If Medicare had known about his co-conspirator, it would not have permitted the company to enroll with Medicare. His co-conspirator has been charged and remains at large.
Cruz’s Conviction
The jury found Cruz guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and wire fraud, four counts of healthcare fraud, one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and make false healthcare statements, and three counts of structuring.
He is set to be sentenced on April 13 and could face up to 125 years in prison. A federal district court judge will decide the sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
Comments on the Case
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida commented: “This defendant was a licensed nurse who chose greed over duty, exploiting Medicare beneficiaries through a deliberate $11.4 million fraud scheme. The jury’s verdict makes clear that medical professionals who abuse their positions of trust for personal gain will face serious consequences.”[3]
Constantine Cannon attorney Ginger Buck commented: “Government enforcement against healthcare fraud schemes is critical to help ensure future trust in the system and proper use of taxpayers’ funds.”
How is the Government Prioritizing the Enforcement of Healthcare Fraud?
In DOJ’s annual roundup of False Claims Act recoveries for FY 2025 ending September 30, 2025, healthcare fraud was the leading source of recoveries to the government. $5.7 billion of the $6.9 billion total in recoveries stemmed from healthcare-related matters and improper payouts from Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE.
Our Firm Helps Whistleblowers
While it is unknown whether whistleblowers were involved in initiating this matter, whistleblowers are often the ones to come forward with valuable information to fight healthcare fraud. Under the qui tam (or whistleblower provisions) of the False Claims Act, private parties can file lawsuits on behalf of the government and receive a portion of any recovery.
If you believe you have a case, please contact us and we will connect you with an experienced member of the Constantine Cannon whistleblower team for a free and confidential consultation.
Speak Confidentially With Our Whistleblower Attorneys
Sources:
[1] See https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/florida-nursing-assistant-convicted-114m-health-care-fraud-scheme-targeting-medicare
[2] Id.
[3] Id.
Tagged in: Anti-Kickback and Stark, Healthcare Fraud,