THIEVES IN SCRUBS: Tampa’s Balsamo and Others Hit Medicare with $9M Kickback Scandal
The Justice Department has launched a massive takedown across the country, charging 324 defendants in connection with over $14.6 billion in alleged healthcare fraud. The spotlight lands on William Balsamo (65, Spring Hill), who is accused of masterminding a scheme that bilked Medicare out of at least $9 million.
According to charges, Balsamo served as the Chief Financial Officer of Call MD Plus, a telemedicine firm that claimed to connect patients with telemedicine doctors. The truth? A kickback-laden operation that funneled prescriptions and medical orders through pharmacies, DME companies, and labs for illicit payoffs.
In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced 13 cases involving 19 individuals, including Balsamo. The accused exploited elderly and disabled patients, securing medically unnecessary orders that lined their own pockets at the taxpayers’ expense.
Joining Balsamo in the dock are Edward Cannatelli (60, Parkland), Robbyn Cannatelli (68, Parkland), Thomas Farese (82, Fort Lauderdale), and Virginia Lockett (55, Margate). They face a litany of charges for their roles in a telemarketing scheme that flooded the market with fake DME orders.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the administration’s stance on such criminal activity: “Make no mistake – this administration will not tolerate criminals who steal from hardworking American taxpayers and endanger the health and safety of our communities.”
The ongoing investigation underscores the DOJ’s commitment to protecting federal healthcare programs and their beneficiaries, ensuring that those who exploit these vital services face justice.
Related Federal Cases
- Logan Man Sentenced for Arch Coal Kickback Scheme · West Virginia
- Virginia Man Accused of $1.6M Fraudulent Contracts Scheme · Florida
- Treyton Thomas Charged in $4.5M Investment Fraud Scheme · North Carolina
- Jessieca Omowele, Kevin Jones Sentenced in $1.5M Tax Fraud Scheme · Florida
- Napoleon Robinson Sentenced for $500K Tax Evasion Scheme · New York
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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