Major Medicare Fraud Takedown in Florida: 11 Charged
Federal authorities recently charged 11 individuals across eight healthcare fraud cases in the Middle District of Florida, aligning with a broader effort to address Medicare fraud nationwide. Part of the Department of Justice's 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, these cases implicate 455 defendants across the country and involve alleged fraudulent claims exceeding $6.5 billion.
"Millions of Americans rely on essential services from federal healthcare programs," stated U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. He emphasized the exploitation of these systems compromises service effectiveness and constitutes taxpayer theft. Those charged are accused of targeting vulnerable patients, underscoring the U.S. Attorney’s Office role in protecting these individuals.
Among the largest cases involved are charges against Leigh Tesar, Walter Presha Jr., and Koby Evans, accused of falsely billing Medicare over $118 million for unnecessary wound care procedures. Allegedly, expensive skin grafts were billed inappropriately. Over 18 months, Medicare paid approximately $61 million for these claims. Authorities have seized about $11.8 million in related assets.
Additionally, federal prosecutors outlined cases related to fraudulent Medicare billing for COVID-19 test kits. Konstantin Braverman and associates allegedly misused Medicare beneficiaries’ information, billing for unsolicited test kits and acquiring over $14.4 million through 152,000 fraudulent claims. Braverman reportedly personally obtained $1.5 million.
In a distinct case, Leo Corrigan faces charges of fraudulently billing Medicare nearly $7.5 million for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests, generating around $1.7 million in illicit kickbacks and bribes. He also allegedly arranged for beneficiary information transfer for genetic testing in exchange for payments.
Marc Vincent Pazienza, a Florida attorney, is accused of misappropriating over $300,000 from clients involved in Medicare fraud. Prosecutors allege that he falsely promised to create shell corporations to hide these funds from the IRS but instead used them personally.
Furthermore, Rustam Abdaev has pleaded guilty to a money laundering conspiracy linked to a medical equipment fraud scheme. Henry Garcia is involved in a kickback scheme concerning Medicare reimbursements for medical braces. Laurent Cassagnol and Heriberto L. Rivera face allegations centering on VA patients, with Rivera accused of paying Cassagnol to direct veterans to his practice, resulting in over $14 million in claims to the VA.
In a civil settlement, Lawrence Waldman agreed to pay $5 million to resolve kickback allegations related to unnecessary genetic and respiratory testing. Officials highlighted the severe impact of healthcare fraud on taxpayers and patient welfare. "Healthcare fraud is not a victimless crime," said Mike Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of Tampa's FBI field office, stressing the broader implications beyond just financial loss.