Related Federal Cases
- Christopher Gregory Wayne, Health Care Fraud, Conspiracy to Violate Narcotics Laws, Florida 2014 · Florida
- Francisco Enrique Chavez, Health Care Fraud, Florida 2013 · Florida
- Patrick Merrill Brody, Wire Fraud and Money Laundering, Utah 2013 · Florida
- Darrell A. Hall, Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Health Care Fraud, Tax Evasion, Ohio 2009 · Florida
- Pavel Sosa Medina, Money Laundering, Florida 2014 · Florida
Ex-Rehab Clinic Owner Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering in Tampa
A former rehabilitation clinic owner in Florida has pleaded guilty to health care fraud and money laundering charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Laura Leyva, 45, of Miami Lakes, Florida, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to the plea agreement, Leyva was the president and owner of American Rehab of Kissimmee Inc., aka American Rehab of South Florida Inc., a comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility located in Kissimmee, Florida, and Hialeah, Florida. From June 2007 through November 2009, American Rehab submitted approximately $2,543,368 in false and fraudulent claims for reimbursement to Medicare seeking payment for rehabilitation therapy services that were not legitimately prescribed and not provided. Medicare paid approximately $1,074,278 on those claims.
Co-conspirators falsified and forged medical records were used to give the appearance that therapy services were rendered to Medicare beneficiaries at American Rehab when, in fact, they were not. Leyva admitted that she destroyed falsified medical records in order to conceal evidence of the health care fraud and money laundering scheme.
This case is being investigated by the HHS-OIG and the FBI and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christopher J. Hunter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
Leyva’s sentencing date will be set by the court. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged nearly 2,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $6 billion.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Team (HEAT) is working to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers. To learn more about HEAT, visit www.stopmedicarefraud.gov.
Laura Leyva, 45, of Miami Lakes, Florida, pleaded guilty to health care fraud and money laundering charges in Tampa today. The former president and owner of American Rehab of Kissimmee Inc. submitted false and fraudulent claims for reimbursement to Medicare, resulting in payments of approximately $1,074,278.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News