GAINESVILLE, FL — A Gainesville physician and his ex-wife have been indicted on federal charges tied to a $4.4 million health care fraud conspiracy, marking one of the largest medical scams uncovered in North Florida in recent years. Dr. Erik M. Schabert, 48, and Mika Kamissa Harris, 49, surrendered to federal authorities and now face trial for allegedly running a fraudulent clinic operation that preyed on government and private insurance programs.
The indictment, unsealed Thursday, charges Schabert and Harris with health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud stemming from their ownership of Reliant Family Practice in Gainesville. Between January 2013 and July 2016, prosecutors allege the duo submitted false claims to Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield for cosmetic procedures disguised as medically necessary treatments—billing for chemical peels, dermabrasions, and acne surgery using phony diagnoses like rosacea, acne, and actinic keratosis.
Harris is additionally charged with multiple counts of money laundering for allegedly funneling approximately $3.1 million in illicit proceeds through financial accounts to conceal the origins of the fraudulently obtained funds. Investigators say the scheme was carefully orchestrated to exploit billing loopholes and evade detection while lining their personal accounts with taxpayer-backed reimbursements.
The couple made their initial court appearance at the U.S. District Courthouse in Gainesville, where the charges were formally read. Their trial is set for April 24, 2018. If convicted, Schabert and Harris each face up to 20 years in prison for the conspiracy charge and 10 years for each count of health care fraud. Harris individually faces 10 years per money laundering count.
The case was the result of a coordinated takedown by federal agencies, including the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Prosecution is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany H. Eggers, who emphasized the seriousness of abusing public health programs for personal gain. ‘This wasn’t just fraud—it was a betrayal of trust,’ said a DOJ spokesperson. ‘Patients, insurers, and taxpayers were all victimized.’
A grand jury’s indictment is not evidence of guilt, and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, under Christopher P. Canova, continues to pursue accountability in health care fraud cases. Public court documents are available via the U.S. District Court website for the Northern District of Florida.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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