Michael Marcera, Sr., Drug and Health Care Fraud, New York 2023

Rochester Man Sentenced for Drug and Health Care Fraud

In a shocking turn of events, Michael Marcera, Sr., a 57-year-old resident of Rochester, NY, was sentenced to time served (97 months in prison) by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa for his involvement in a massive drug and health care fraud scheme.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank H. Sherman, the scheme, which took place between January 2003 and February 2007, involved Marcera and others obtaining prescriptions for oxycodone, a controlled substance, by misrepresenting the medication as medically necessary. They would then fill the prescriptions at a pharmacy and sell the medications for profit, with the victim health care benefits programs reimbursing the pharmacies for the costs associated with the filling of the fraudulent prescriptions.

The victim health care benefits programs affected by Marcera's scheme include Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, New York State Workers Compensation [ACE ESIS Inc.], Preferred Care, and Allstate Insurance Company. The total amount of restitution ordered for these programs is $216,000.

Marcera was convicted of conspiracy to possess oxycodone with the intent to distribute and health care fraud. His sentence is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and Investigators from the New York State Insurance Department's Frauds Bureau.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drug and health care fraud. As a community, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent and prosecute these types of crimes.

**Mandatory Facts**

Defendant: Michael Marcera, Sr.

Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to possess oxycodone with the intent to distribute and health care fraud

City and State: Rochester, NY

Exact Date: No specific date mentioned, but the scheme took place between January 2003 and February 2007

Sentence or Outcome: Time served (97 months in prison) and ordered to pay restitution totaling $216,000

Dollar Amount: $216,000

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/rochester-man-sentenced-drug-and-health-care-fraud-offenses