TAMPA, FL – The Justice Department unleashed a nationwide crackdown on healthcare fraud today, slapping criminal charges on a staggering 324 individuals responsible for a jaw-dropping $14.6 billion in alleged fraudulent activity. The operation, dubbed the 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, reached into 50 federal districts and involved 12 State Attorneys General, signaling an unprecedented offensive against those exploiting the system and ripping off taxpayers.
Among those caught in the dragnet are 96 licensed medical professionals – doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists – all accused of participating in elaborate schemes. Attorney General Pamela Bondi didn’t mince words: “This record-setting Health Care Fraud Takedown delivers justice to criminal actors who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens and steal from hardworking American taxpayers.” Bondi vowed continued vigilance, stating her administration “will not tolerate criminals who line their pockets with taxpayer dollars while endangering the health and safety of our communities.”
Here in the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced charges in 13 cases, implicating 19 individuals in schemes targeting programs for the elderly and disabled, and the fraudulent acquisition of controlled substances. “Millions of Americans rely on the ethical and lawful practices of healthcare professionals,” Kehoe stated, “When criminals exploit our federal healthcare programs and betray the trust of their beneficiaries, the integrity of our systems are compromised.”
One of the most significant cases centers around William Balsamo (65, Spring Hill), charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks. Balsamo, allegedly the Chief Financial Officer of telemedicine company Call MD Plus, stands accused of orchestrating a scheme that funneled at least $9 million from Medicare. The operation involved paying kickbacks to companies with ties to telemedicine doctors in exchange for signed doctors’ orders, which were then sold to pharmacies, durable medical equipment (DME) companies, and laboratories. These orders were allegedly used to bill for medically unnecessary prescriptions and equipment. The prosecution is led by Acting Assistant Chief Gary A. Winters and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Mesrobian.
Also facing charges are Edward Cannatelli (60, Parkland), Robbyn Cannatelli (68, Parkland), Thomas Farese (82, Fort Lauderdale), and Virginia Lockett (55, Margate). The quartet is accused of conspiring to defraud Medicare, making false statements, and offering illegal kickbacks and bribes. They are further charged with falsifying records related to the federal investigation. The alleged scheme involved a telemarketing operation designed to harvest personal and health information from Medicare beneficiaries to generate medically unnecessary DME brace orders.
This takedown isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the systematic abuse of a system designed to protect the vulnerable. While the full scope of the fraud is still unfolding, one thing is clear: the feds are turning up the heat on those who see healthcare as a get-rich-quick scheme. Grimy Times will continue to follow these cases and expose the individuals profiting from the suffering of others. Stay tuned for updates as these investigations progress.
Related Federal Cases
- Florida Woman Sentenced for Healthcare Fraud Scheme · Florida
- Jensen Moors Pleads Guilty to $152K Health Care Fraud · Washington
- Treyton Thomas Charged in $4.5M Investment Fraud Scheme · North Carolina
- Jessieca Omowele, Kevin Jones Sentenced in $1.5M Tax Fraud Scheme · Florida
- Ex-IRS Worker Hooper Pleads Guilty to $824K Health Care Fraud · North Carolina
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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