Tucson-based podiatrist Loren Wessel, 55, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for his role in a massive Medicare fraud scheme.
The scheme, which lasted from 2008 through June 2016, involved Wessel submitting false claims to Medicare for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
According to the investigation, Wessel regularly provided routine podiatry care for patients at assisted living facilities in and around Tucson but fraudulently billed Medicare for more complex and significantly more expensive services that he had not performed.
To further his scheme and conceal the fraud, Wessel also falsely documented patients’ medical records with alleged ailments they did not have and with care Wessel did not provide.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation, while the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Tucson handled the prosecution.
In addition to serving his prison term, the court ordered Wessel to pay $965,985 in restitution to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Wessel pleaded guilty to Health Care Fraud in connection with the scheme.
Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- 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