Fort Lauderdale, Florida — A federal jury has convicted a South Florida healthcare worker of orchestrating a multimillion-dollar Medicare fraud scheme that prosecutors say exploited seniors and abused the federal healthcare system.
Christian Cruz, a Fort Lauderdale nursing assistant, was found guilty on nine federal charges, including conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States. According to federal prosecutors, Cruz operated a medical equipment supply company that shipped orthotic braces to Medicare beneficiaries across the country, many of whom neither requested nor medically needed the devices. Prosecutors said Cruz then submitted fraudulent claims to Medicare, generating more than $11 million in improper reimbursements.
The investigation was led by the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Authorities said Cruz falsified doctors’ orders through illegal kickback arrangements, using telemedicine companies to obtain approvals without physicians ever examining patients. In some cases, prosecutors said electronic signatures of doctors were used without authorization.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones of the Southern District of Florida said the case underscored the seriousness of healthcare fraud, noting that it diverts taxpayer funds and undermines trust in the medical system. Prosecutors also revealed that Cruz concealed his co-ownership of the company with Jorge Luis Almansa, a convicted felon who remains at large. Officials said Medicare would not have approved the business had Almansa’s involvement been disclosed.
Cruz now faces a potential sentence of up to 125 years in prison, with sentencing to be determined at a later date.
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