A federal agent, Alberico Ahias Crespo, was convicted on August 29, 2023, in South Florida for his involvement in illegal Oxycodone distribution, witness tampering, and obstruction of justice. Crespo, a Special Agent with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), was found guilty of multiple charges related to these crimes, which occurred while he was part of the South Florida Health Care Fraud Strike Force, aimed at combating health care fraud and narcotics trafficking in the region.
"The verdict in this matter reminds us that no one is untouchable, no one is above the law, and that there are severe consequences for anyone who engages in witness tampering and the obstruction of justice," Markenzy Lapointe, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, said.
Crespo, aged 48 and holding the position of Special Agent within the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), was found guilty of three specific charges: witness tampering, conspiracy to engage in witness tampering, and conspiracy to obstruct justice. The evidence presented during the trial revealed that Crespo was an integral part of the South Florida Health Care Fraud Strike Force, a collaborative initiative involving various federal investigative and prosecutorial teams dedicated to combating healthcare fraud and the illicit trafficking of healthcare-related narcotics in Southern Florida.
Crespo exploited his role as an agent to safeguard and promote an extensive Oxycodone trafficking scheme that spanned multiple years while also obstructing concurrent federal investigations into healthcare fraud, some of which he was directly involved in. Lapointe stressed that while most law enforcement officers uphold their duties with unwavering integrity, individuals tainted by a perilous mix of ego, arrogance, and corruption will be held accountable by the criminal justice system.
Jeffrey B. Veltri, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Miami Field Office, expressed satisfaction with Crespo's conviction, underlining that it not only constituted a breach of the law but also eroded public trust in law enforcement. Veltri emphasized the dedication and honor exhibited by the thousands of law enforcement officers who tirelessly work to safeguard South Florida communities, affirming that the FBI, in collaboration with the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, diligently pursued this case to ensure that the high standards expected of law enforcement are preserved. Christian J. Schrank, the Deputy Inspector General for Investigations at the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), condemned Crespo's betrayal of the public trust, asserting that reprehensible actions carry consequences. Schrank commended the relentless efforts of agents and prosecutors who worked diligently to hold Crespo accountable and reaffirmed that HHS-OIG would not tolerate corruption within its ranks.
