A federal jury in Fort Lauderdale has found nursing assistant Christian “Chris” Cruz guilty for his involvement in a $11.4 million health care fraud and wire fraud scheme targeting Medicare beneficiaries. Prosecutors said Cruz, 45, from Pompano Beach, operated a durable medical equipment supplier that submitted millions of dollars in false claims to Medicare for unnecessary orthotic braces.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division stated, “Defendant Chris Cruz blatantly lied to Medicare in order to steal over $11 million from hard-working taxpayers. Today’s guilty verdict demonstrates that the Criminal Division remains committed to holding criminals accountable who steal from their fellow citizens to fuel their own greed.”
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida commented, “Healthcare fraud is not a paperwork offense — it is a crime that steals from seniors and undermines confidence in our healthcare system. This defendant was a licensed nurse who chose greed over duty, exploiting Medicare beneficiaries through a deliberate $11.4 million fraud scheme. The jury’s verdict makes clear that medical professionals who abuse their positions of trust for personal gain will face serious consequences.”
According to evidence presented at trial, Cruz and an accomplice paid illegal kickbacks and bribes to obtain signed doctors’ orders used to ship orthotic braces nationwide—often to people who did not request or need them—and then billed Medicare for reimbursement. Authorities said Cruz falsely claimed sole ownership of the company when he actually shared control with his co-conspirator, who is a convicted felon currently at large.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chris Caldwell of the FBI Miami Field Office said, “Nursing Assistant Chris Cruz devised a scheme to enrich himself by defrauding Medicare to the tune of millions of dollars. The FBI and our partners will not relent in the pursuit of Medicare fraudsters - including greedy nurses.”
Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert of HHS-OIG added, “This brazen scheme stole $11.4 million from Medicare and betrayed taxpayer trust. HHS-OIG is steadfastly committed to ensuring that medical decisions are driven by patient need rather than financial gain. We will relentlessly pursue those who put greed over patient care and hold them accountable.”
Court documents show that Cruz received several hundred thousand dollars into his personal bank account as part of the fraudulent activity, often withdrawing cash just under reporting thresholds at different South Florida banks on consecutive days.
Cruz was convicted on multiple counts: one count each of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud; four counts of health care fraud; one count each of conspiracy to defraud the United States and making false statements relating to health care matters; and three counts related to structuring transactions.
He faces up to 125 years in prison when sentenced on April 13 by a federal district court judge.
The case was investigated by both the FBI and HHS-OIG, while prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sterling Paulson (Southern District of Florida) and Trial Attorney Owen Dunn (Criminal Division’s Fraud Section).
Federal efforts against health care fraud have resulted in more than 5,800 defendants charged since March 2007 through strike forces operating across 27 districts—those individuals collectively billed government programs and private insurers over $30 billion.
Further details about this case can be accessed via www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit or through public records at www.sdfl.uscourts.gov or http://pacer.sdfl.uscourts.gov under case number 25-cr-60142.
