Robert Leon Smith III: The Central Figure in a $60M Fraud
Robert Leon Smith III, a 48-year-old man from Archer, Texas, has been charged in a massive healthcare fraud and kickback scheme, totaling $60 million. Smith allegedly owned a network of durable medical equipment companies across Florida, Texas, and Maryland. His fraudulent operations involved billing Medicare for medically unnecessary orthotic braces, referring physician’s orders for unnecessary orthotic braces, genetic tests, and foot bath medications to other suppliers, pharmacies, and laboratories in exchange for kickbacks and bribes.
Exploiting Offshore Call Centers and Telemedicine Companies
Smith is also accused of paying kickbacks and bribes to offshore call centers and telemedicine companies. This was done in exchange for Medicare beneficiary information and physician orders. These actions have been highlighted in a Dec. 14 Justice Department news release, bringing the extent of his fraudulent activities to light.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Smith has been slapped with multiple counts of conspiracy, healthcare fraud, and anti-kickback violations. These serious charges could potentially lead to a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and wire fraud.
Source: Unveiling the Intricacies of a $60M Healthcare Fraud and Kickback Scheme / Medriva