A former nurse at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Miami has been convicted of falsifying medical records and computer fraud, according to a recent announcement by the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.
Enrique Martinez, 37, of Miami, pled guilty to destruction, alteration, and falsification of records, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1519, and computer fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1030. The former nurse faces a statutory maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
According to court records and information presented in court, Martinez, who was directly responsible for the care of a 76-year-old veteran, obstructed a federal investigation and caused damage to the computer system of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Martinez falsified the medical records of the veteran-patient in an attempt to avoid responsibility for the poor quality of care he had provided.
The veteran-patient died while hospitalized at the medical center. Martinez’s actions were part of a larger scheme to cover up his own negligence and misconduct.
Martinez is set to be sentenced before United States District Judge Jose E. Martinez on February 19, 2016, at 2:00 p.m.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Widlanski and Jonathan Kobrinski. The investigative efforts of the VA-OIG’s Office of Investigations and the VA-OIG’s Office of Healthcare Inspections are commended by the U.S. Attorney.
This case highlights the importance of holding healthcare professionals accountable for their actions and ensuring that the public has access to accurate and trustworthy medical records.
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- Adam Parrish, Healthcare Program Fraud, Florida 2012 · Florida
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Healthcare Fraud|Cybercrime|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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