Coral Gables Doc Faces 51-Month Sentence for Tax Fraud

GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE — A Coral Gables physician has been handed a 51-month prison sentence for tax fraud, according to federal prosecutors. Lourdes Margarita Garcia, 62, of Pinecrest, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore following her conviction on conspiracy and false return charges.

According to court documents, Garcia owned and operated Global Medical Group, LLC, a Sub-S Corporation that ran a clinic in Coral Gables. She was accused of hiding significant income while reporting nearly zero adjusted gross income on tax returns for years 1997-2005, despite substantial earnings from the clinic.

Evidence revealed that Garcia, then a physician assistant, failed to report approximately $400,000 in insurance payments and patient fees between 2006 and 2007. Despite her reported income, Garcia and her spouse purchased a $2 million residence. The couple was also found to have withdrawn nearly $900,000 from their accounts just before an IRS levy notice.

United States Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer praised the IRS-CI for their investigative work. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jose A. Bonau and Andy R. Camacho prosecuted the case. Garcia’s conviction marks a significant victory in the fight against financial fraud.

The details of this high-profile case are available on the websites of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and the District Court for the Southern District of Florida.