Florida Doctor To Serve Prison Time, Pay $2.1M For Health Care Fraud Scheme

A Florida doctor will serve four years in prison and pay $2.1 million for his part in a multimillion-dollar health care fraud and money laundering scheme.

Joaquin Mendez, 52, previously had pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health fraud. 

Three co-defendants in the case allegedly established sober homes for addiction treatment. 

Mendez was hired to evaluate those patients and prescribe them treatment. 

The defendants allegedly provided kickbacks and bribes to people with insurance who agreed to live in the homes. Their insurance was billed and members of the scheme prospered. 

Prosecutors say Mendez knew fraudulent insurance claims were being filed. 

The plea was announced Thursday. 


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