SAN JUAN, P.R. – Juan José Tull-Abreu, a doctor operating out of Arecibo and Utuado, Puerto Rico, is headed to federal prison after receiving an 87-month sentence for a brazen Medicare fraud scheme. The sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Judge Jay García-Gregory, includes 63 months for health care fraud and a consecutive 24 months for aggravated identity theft. The case, pursued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, exposes a callous disregard for a program designed to protect the elderly and vulnerable.
Tull-Abreu was initially arrested on July 17, 2014, following an investigation that revealed a systematic effort to bilk Medicare Advantage plans. Prosecutors proved at a fourteen-day jury trial that Tull-Abreu submitted thousands of claims for medical services that were never rendered to patients. Witnesses from Medicare and the affected insurance carriers detailed how the doctor fabricated invoices for both office and home visits – on days his offices were locked up and while he was reportedly traveling outside of the country. The jury delivered a guilty verdict on April 15, 2016.
The scale of the fraud is staggering. Evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Tull-Abreu’s actions resulted in a loss of over $1,200,000.00 to the Medicare program. Judge García-Gregory didn’t just impose a lengthy prison term; he also ordered Tull-Abreu to pay $509,775.20 in restitution to the six Medicare Advantage insurance carriers victimized by his scheme. While a full recovery isn’t guaranteed, the court’s order aims to recoup some of the stolen funds.
“We are pleased with the sentence imposed by the Court in this case,” stated United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “This prosecution and sentence should serve as clear message to those few dishonest members of the medical community in Puerto Rico of the stern consequences they will face for defrauding the Medicare program.” Rodríguez-Vélez made it clear that her office won’t tolerate such exploitation. “We will not sit idly and allow doctors to illegally enrich themselves by engaging in fraudulent schemes that deplete the Medicare program of funds destined to assist and protect the elderly.”
The investigation was spearheaded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, with crucial assistance from the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennise N. Longo Quiñones skillfully prosecuted the case, meticulously building a case based on financial records and witness testimony. The conviction serves as a warning: exploiting Medicare is a serious federal crime with severe repercussions.
This case highlights the ongoing battle against healthcare fraud, a persistent problem that drains vital resources from a system already under strain. While Tull-Abreu’s scheme has been dismantled, federal authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of those who seek to profit from the abuse of taxpayer-funded healthcare programs. The Grimy Times will continue to track these cases and expose the individuals who prey on the vulnerable.
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- Acosta-Joaquin Gets 14 Months for SSN Theft · Puerto Rico
Key Facts
- State: Puerto Rico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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