Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Real 'Wolf of Wall Street' says he will give film royalties to victims - Dec. 31, 2013
The real "Wolf of Wall Street" says he's trying to give back, but he's got a long way to go.
Real 'Wolf of Wall Street' says he will give film royalties to victims - Dec. 31, 2013
$15 minimum wage supporters vow to fight on - Dec. 31, 2013
Supporters of a local law in Washington state setting one of the nation's highest minimum wages said Tuesday they were appealing a judge's ruling overturning a big part of the law.
$15 minimum wage supporters vow to fight on - Dec. 31, 2013
Japan's Nikkei posts crazy 57% rise in 2013 - Dec. 31, 2013
If you think U.S. markets had a record-breaking year, check out the Nikkei index in Japan -- and try to avoid drooling.
Japan's Nikkei posts crazy 57% rise in 2013 - Dec. 31, 2013
No dairy cliff expected at the start of the year - Dec. 31, 2013
Even though a budget measure that governs farm subsidies expires along with 2013, top lawmakers negotiating a new farm bill say they're close to finishing a deal that would avert price spikes in milk and other commodities.
No dairy cliff expected at the start of the year - Dec. 31, 2013
Gas prices, down in '13, set to go lower in '14 - Dec. 31, 2013
Drivers fueled up for the lowest price in three years during 2013, according to AAA, and even lower prices are expected in 2014.
Gas prices, down in '13, set to go lower in '14 - Dec. 31, 2013
67-year-old Italian restaurant closes its doors - Dec. 31, 2013
Six months after a 3,000-acre wildfire raged through Royal Gorge and decimated the economy of Canon City, Colo., Mike Merlino had no choice but to close his family's namesake restaurant.
67-year-old Italian restaurant closes its doors - Dec. 31, 2013
Target's latest holiday shopping problem - Dec. 31, 2013
Target has run into more holiday shopping trouble. The retailer confirmed on Tuesday that some customers are having problems using their Target gift cards at the cash register.
Target's latest holiday shopping problem - Dec. 31, 2013
Home prices jump 13.6% - Dec. 31, 2013
Home prices posted another big annual gain in October, although there are signs that 2013's rapid rise in prices is close to topping out.
Home prices jump 13.6% - Dec. 31, 2013
Euro zone to get 18th member: Latvia - Dec. 31, 2013
Starting Wednesday, Latvians will begin swapping their old currency -- lats -- in exchange for euros, making Latvia the 18th country to join the euro currency union.
Euro zone to get 18th member: Latvia - Dec. 31, 2013
Netflix CEO Hastings gets 50% pay hike for 2014 - Dec. 31, 2013
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings will see his scheduled base salary and stock options jump by 50% in 2014, according to a government filing by the company.
Netflix CEO Hastings gets 50% pay hike for 2014 - Dec. 31, 2013
GSK completes divestment of thrombosis brands and related manufacturing site to Aspen
GSK News Release:
GSK completes divestment of thrombosis brands and related manufacturing site to Aspen
Issued: Tuesday 31 December 2013, London UK
GlaxoSmithKline (“GSK”) today completed the previously announced divestment of its thrombosis brands, ArixtraTM and FraxiparineTM to the Aspen Group (Aspen) for £700 million, following regulatory approval of the transaction. The majority of commercial operations will formally transfer to Aspen on 1 January 2014 with the remainder, along with the Notre-Dame de Bondeville manufacturing site, transferring in mid-2014.
GSK – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com.
About Aspen – Aspen is a global supplier of branded and generic pharmaceutical products as well as consumer and nutritional products in selected territories. The Group has a proud heritage dating back more than 160 years and today its products reach approximately 150 countries. Aspen is the largest pharmaceutical company listed on the JSE Limited (“JSE”), South Africa’s stock exchange. The Group has 22 manufacturing facilities at 16 pharmaceutical manufacturing sites on six continents and approximately 8,200 employees. For further information please visithttp://www.aspenpharma.com/.
Help for homeless college students - Dec. 31, 2013
As the number of homeless college students grows, schools, aid organizations and advocates from across the country are taking steps to help.
Help for homeless college students - Dec. 31, 2013
Nike+ Fuelband SE: What wearables should be - Dec. 31, 2013
The Nike+ Fuelband SE isn't perfect, but the activity tracker is the closest realization yet of what a wearable device should be.
Nike+ Fuelband SE: What wearables should be - Dec. 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
Bounty Proudly Supports Team USA Hockey Moms on the Road to the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games
Procter & Gamble News Release:
| Bounty Proudly Supports Team USA Hockey Moms on the Road to the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games |
The paper towel brand donates funds to support the parents of athletes bound for gold
Bounty presents the Team USA Hockey Moms with a
On top of the early mornings, late nights and slap-shot-related-messes, being able to watch your child participate in The Winter Olympics is an expensive feat. Bounty is giving back to the Team USA Hockey and Paralympic moms across the country, who have supported their children’s dreams, sacrificed mornings for early practices and homes to big messes.
“The Team USA Hockey Moms in many ways act as the backbone of the
Bounty’s sponsorship is a part of a larger
Moms across the country can join in the hockey and sports minded conversation by visiting Facebook.com/Bounty or @Bounty on Twitter.com using the hashtag #bringit.
About
P&G serves approximately 4.8 billion people around the world with its brands. The Company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Ace®, Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Duracell®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Fusion®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Iams®, Lenor®, Mach3®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, Prestobarba®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, Wella®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands. |
Insanely pricey New Year's Eve parties - Dec. 30, 2013
Even if your New Year's resolution is to spend money more wisely, there's still time for one more splurge on New Year's eve.
Insanely pricey New Year's Eve parties - Dec. 30, 2013
Crocs shares spike on Blackstone investment - Dec. 30, 2013
Shares of Crocs shot higher Monday after the footwear maker announced an investment from Blackstone Group, a share repurchase plan and the departure of its CEO.
Crocs shares spike on Blackstone investment - Dec. 30, 2013
Federal workers to get raise - Dec. 30, 2013
Federal workers are about to get a 1% cost-of-living pay hike, their first increase in three years.
Federal workers to get raise - Dec. 30, 2013
China debt surges as local governments spend - Dec. 30, 2013
China revealed the results of its national audit Monday, giving the world a rare look at its rapidly expanding local debt levels.
China debt surges as local governments spend - Dec. 30, 2013
France's 75% 'millionaire tax' to become law - Dec. 30, 2013
We don't know how things are in France, but in the U.S. we have learned that there is no such thing as a *temporary tax.*
France's controversial "millionaire tax" is set to become law, allowing the government to levy a 75% tax on companies that pay salaries in excess of €1 million.
France's 75% 'millionaire tax' to become law - Dec. 30, 2013
Tim Cook docks himself $4 million in pay - Dec. 30, 2013
Tim Cook gave himself a sizable slap on the wrist this past summer, docking himself $4 million in pay for Apple's underperforming stock price.
Tim Cook docks himself $4 million in pay - Dec. 30, 2013
Owner of New Jersey Debit Card Business Admits Filing False Tax Returns
FBI Newark Division Press Release:
Owner of New Jersey Debit Card Business Admits Filing False Tax Returns
Owner of New Jersey Debit Card Business Admits Filing False Tax Returns
| U.S. Attorney’s OfficeDecember 20, 2013 |
NEWARK, NJ—An Orange County, New York man who owned a New Jersey company admitted today to filing false income tax returns, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Richard Jackowitz, 60, of Warwick, New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to two counts of an information charging him with filing false tax returns.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Jackowitz owned and operated Branded Marketing, a Haskell, New Jersey company that sold debit cards. For the 2007 and 2008 tax years, Jackowitz had unreported income from his company of approximately $105,512 and $359,677, respectively. Jackowitz’s false tax returns caused a loss to the IRS of more than $300,000.
The tax charge to which Jackowitz pleaded is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. As part of his plea agreement, Jackowitz also agreed to pay $319,940 in restitution to the government. Sentencing is scheduled for March 25, 2014.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Shantelle P. Kitchen; and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford, for the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny Kramer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
Resident of Florida and Ohio Admits Defrauding Charter Flight Company and Others of Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars
FBI Newark Division Press Release:
Resident of Florida and Ohio Admits Defrauding Charter Flight Company and Others of Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars
Resident of Florida and Ohio Admits Defrauding Charter Flight Company and Others of Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars
| U.S. Attorney’s OfficeDecember 17, 2013 |
NEWARK—A resident of Florida and Ohio today admitted his role in defrauding a charter flight company and other merchants of hundreds of thousands of dollars in luxury goods and services, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Dante G. Dixon, 45, of Miami, Florida, and Akron, Ohio, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini in Newark federal court to an information charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From May through June 2013, Dixon and others conspired to fraudulently obtain at least three private charter flights from Jet Aviation, an international business aviation services company with U.S. headquarters in Teterboro, New Jersey, that provides charter flight services. Dixon and others also conspired to obtain tens of thousands of dollars in other luxury goods and services, all via sham lines of credit issued to a well-known financial institution, for the defendants and others’ use by misrepresenting that they were employees at the financial institution.
On May 5, 2013, an individual using the name “Josh Stevens” called Jet Aviation's offices in Chicago, Illinois and Van Nuys, California, to inquire about its private charter flight services. That individual identified himself as being employed as a senior vice president at a well-known financial institution and provided an e-mail address purporting to be affiliated with the financial institution. A Jet Aviation employee sent a draft Charter Services Agreement to the provided e-mail address. The agreement was signed by Josh Stevens and returned to Jet Aviation on May 9, 2013, falsely listing Josh Stevens as a senior vice president and Dixon as a vice president at the well-known financial institution. The aviation company established an account and a line of credit for $350,000, which the defendants and others used to take four private charter flights.
As a result of their misrepresentations to Jet Aviation, Dixon and others fraudulently obtained private high-end charter flights and limousine car services, with a total value of $175,790, for which Jet Aviation never received payment.
Dixon and others made similar misrepresentations about their purported employment at the financial institution to other luxury service providers and obtained approximately $20,000 in luxury watches, sunglasses, and sterling silver and leather business cardholders, and approximately $25,500 in hotel stays at a luxury hotel in Miami.
As a result of their scheme, Dixon and others fraudulently obtained more than $220,000 in luxury goods and services.
The conspiracy to commit wire fraud to which Dixon pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for April 23, 2014.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford in Newark, for the investigation leading to today's guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Mendelsohn of the U.S. Attorney's Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
This case was brought in coordination with President Barack Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and state and local partners, it is the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory, and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state, and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions, and other organizations. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed nearly 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,900 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.stopfraud.gov.
4 money resolutions to make now - Dec. 30, 2013
With 2014 around the corner, you might be thinking of changes to make -- whether it's to hit the gym more often or to finally take that cross-country road trip. But when you're making those resolutions, don't forget about your wallet.
4 money resolutions to make now - Dec. 30, 2013
On Jan. 1, minimum wage jumps in 13 states - Dec. 29, 2013
Starting January 1, minimum wage workers in 13 states and four cities will see higher paychecks.
On Jan. 1, minimum wage jumps in 13 states - Dec. 29, 2013
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Former Chief Executive Officer of Financial Lending Company Pleads Guilty in Bank Fraud Scheme
FBI New York Field Office Press Release:
Former Chief Executive Officer of Financial Lending Company Pleads Guilty in Bank Fraud Scheme
Former Chief Executive Officer of Financial Lending Company Pleads Guilty in Bank Fraud Scheme
Bank Fraud Led to Losses in Excess of $100 Million
| U.S. Attorney’s OfficeDecember 20, 2013 |
Earlier today, John Murphy, the former chief executive officer of Oak Rock Financial LLC (Oak Rock), pled guilty to bank fraud before United States Magistrate Judge Gary R. Brown at the United States courthouse in Central Islip, New York. The charge arose out of Murphy’s scheme to defraud various financial institutions, including Israel Discount Bank (IDB), the primary lender to Oak Rock. The losses to these financial institutions and Oak Rock investors are in excess of $100 million. When sentenced by United States District Judge Leonard D. Wexler, the defendant faces a maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment.
The conviction was announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and George Venizelos, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI).
“Murphy abused his position as CEO and defrauded banks out of millions of dollars by lying about his company’s financial health,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. “Today’s conviction should act as warning to executives: if you lie to lenders and investors, you will be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.” Ms. Lynch expressed her grateful appreciation to the New York State Department of Financial Services for its assistance in this investigation.
“Mr. Murphy, instead of being a steward of Oak Rock Financial, spent his time cooking the books. Let this serve as a reminder to executives everywhere that honesty and integrity are more important than the bottom line,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Venizelos.
Oak Rock is a financial lending company located in Suffolk County, New York, that is in the business of securing lines of credit for businesses throughout the United States. Until April 2013, Murphy was the chief executive officer and president of Oak Rock. During his guilty plea, Murphy admitted to lying to IDB, other financial institutions, and Oak Rock investors regarding the accounts receivable for Oak Rock. Specifically, Murphy admitted, since January 2009, he had been committing fraud by changing delinquency dates to keep collateral and loans current; booking fictitious payments, thereby creating fictitious accounts receivable; and re-aging delinquent accounts receivable by copying data from timely paid accounts so that the loans appeared to have been stable. By relying on Murphy’s misrepresentations IDB, other financial institutions, and Oak Rock investors sustained losses in excess of $100 million.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Canty.
Defendant:
John Murphy
Age: 63
Nesconset, New York
Age: 63
Nesconset, New York
Lake Charles Doctor Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison for Health Care Fraud
FBI New Orleans Division News Release:
Lake Charles Doctor Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison for Health Care Fraud
Lake Charles Doctor Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison for Health Care Fraud
| U.S. Attorney’s OfficeDecember 17, 2013 |
LAFAYETTE, LA—United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Dr. Lynn E. Foret, 64, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard T. Haik to 12 months in prison and three years of supervised release for defrauding Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies of close to $1 million. He was ordered serve 12 months of home confinement with the use of electronic monitoring while on supervised release and also ordered to pay $878,328.98 restitution and a $25,000 fine. Foret pleaded guilty April 18, 2013.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, from 2003 to 2009, Foret injected his patients’ knees with a steroid solution while falsely billing and receiving payments from Medicare, Medicai,d and private insurance companies for a more costly drug called Hyalgan. During the time period outlined in the bill of information, he received reimbursements totaling $878,328.98. Foret is a Lake Charles medical doctor who had specialized in orthopedic surgery since 1976. He closed his practice in December 2012.
Various types of steroids are often used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. Hyalgan is another more costly type of medication that is used to treat osteoarthritis. It contains a natural substance called hyaluronate, which is normally found in the fluid that lubricates and cushions knee joints and is injected directly into a patient’s knee to relieve inflammation.
“This defendant used his trusted position as a physician to steal,” Finley stated. “He lied about the treatments he administered and drained money from private insurers and federal programs intended for those in need who depend on health care. The agencies and prosecutors who worked in this case are to be commended for their outstanding work in uncovering this fraud.”
The FBI, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (OIG), and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) of the Louisiana State Attorney General’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger prosecuted the case.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Two Miami Women Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Pay Health Care Kickbacks
FBI Miami Division News Release:
Two Miami Women Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Pay Health Care Kickbacks
Two Miami Women Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Pay Health Care Kickbacks
| U.S. Attorney’s OfficeDecember 23, 2013 |
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; Michael B. Steinbach, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office; and Christopher B. Dennis, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS‑OIG), Miami Regional Office, announce that U.S. District Judge Federico A. Moreno sentenced Yiral Cardona, 39, of Miami, and Susan Chi, 42, of Miami, to 10 years in prison, stemming from their leadership roles in a conspiracy to pay health care kickbacks.
At trial, Cardona and Chi were convicted on October 22, 2013, of one count of conspiracy to pay health care kickbacks and to defraud the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and three counts of unlawful payment of health care kickbacks, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 1320a-7b(b)(2)(A).
According to the evidence presented at trial and the sentencing hearing, Cardona and Chi owned Vista Home Health Services Inc. (Vista), a Miami-Dade based home health agency that purportedly provided skilled nursing and home health services to Medicare beneficiaries. The defendants illegally obtained Medicare patients by paying bribes and kickbacks of at least $141,000 to patient recruiters to induce the referral of Medicare patients to Vista for home health services. Cardona and Chi billed the Medicare program for home health services that were not medically necessary and/or not provided. Between approximately May 15, 2009 and April 26, 2012, Medicare paid Vista more than $4.1 million in claims. The court ordered the defendants to pay more than $733,000 in restitution.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and HHS-OIG. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin J. Larsen and Eric Morales.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.
Patient Recruiter and Therapy Staffing Company Owner Sentenced for Roles in $7 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme
FBI Miami Division News Release:
Patient Recruiter and Therapy Staffing Company Owner Sentenced for Roles in $7 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme
Patient Recruiter and Therapy Staffing Company Owner Sentenced for Roles in $7 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme
| U.S. Department of JusticeDecember 20, 2013 |
WASHINGTON—A patient recruiter and a therapy staffing company owner were sentenced today to serve 50 months and 46 months in prison, respectively, for their participation in a $7 million health care fraud scheme involving defunct home health care company Anna Nursing Services Corp.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Steinbach of the FBI’s Miami Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Christopher B. Dennis of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Office of Investigations-Miami Office made the announcement.
Ivan Alejo, 48, and Hugo Morales, 37, both of Miami, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez in the Southern District of Florida. In addition to their prison terms, Alejo and Morales were both sentenced to serve three years of supervised release. Alejo and Morales were also ordered to pay jointly and severally with their co-defendants $6,928,931 and $1,958,279, respectively, in restitution.
In August 2013, Alejo and Morales pleaded guilty before Judge Martinez to conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
Alejo worked as a patient recruiter at Anna Nursing, a Miami home health care agency that purported to provide home health and therapy services to Medicare beneficiaries. Morales owned a therapy staffing company, Professionals Therapy Staffing Services Inc., which provided therapists to Anna Nursing.
According to court documents, co-conspirators of Alejo and Morales operated Anna Nursing for the purpose of billing the Medicare Program for, among other things, expensive physical therapy and home health care services that were not medically necessary and/or not provided.
Alejo’s primary role in the scheme at Anna Nursing involved negotiating and paying kickbacks and bribes, interacting with patient recruiters, and assisting in the submission of fraudulent claims to the Medicare program. Alejo and his co-conspirators would pay kickbacks and bribes to patient recruiters in return for the recruiters providing patients to Anna Nursing for home health and therapy services that were medically unnecessary and/or not provided. Alejo and his co-conspirators would pay kickbacks and bribes to co-conspirators in doctors’ offices and clinics in exchange for home health and therapy prescriptions, medical certifications, and other documentation. Alejo and his co-conspirators would use the prescriptions, medical certifications, and other documentation to fraudulently bill the Medicare program for home health care services, which Alejo knew was in violation of federal criminal laws.
Morales’s primary role in the scheme at Anna Nursing involved operating Professionals Therapy, where he and others created fictitious progress notes and other patient files indicating that therapists from Professionals Therapy had provided physical or occupational therapy services to particular Medicare beneficiaries, when in many instances those services had not been provided and/or were not medically necessary. Morales knew the documents he and others from Professionals Therapy falsified were used to support false claims for home health care services billed to Medicare by his co-conspirators at Anna Nursing, which Morales knew was in violation of federal criminal laws.
From approximately October 2010 through approximately April 2013, Anna Nursing was paid by Medicare approximately $7 million for fraudulent claims for home health care services that were not medically necessary and/or not provided.
The case was investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. This case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney A. Brendan Stewart of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged more than 1,700 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $5.5 billion. In addition, HHS’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
To learn more about the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), go to www.stopmedicarefraud.gov.
Health Care Clinic Owner Sentenced for Role in $7 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme
FBI Miami Division News Release:
Health Care Clinic Owner Sentenced for Role in $7 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme
Health Care Clinic Owner Sentenced for Role in $7 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme
| U.S. Department of JusticeDecember 19, 2013 |
WASHINGTON—The owner of a Miami home health care company was sentenced to serve 235 months in prison today for her participation in a $7 million health care fraud scheme involving defunct home health care company Anna Nursing Services Corp.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Steinbach of the FBI’s Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Christopher B. Dennis of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Office of Investigations Miami Office made the announcement.
Dora Moreira, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez in the Southern District of Florida. In addition to her prison term, Moreira was sentenced to serve three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $6,928,931 in restitution.
In October 2013, Moreira was convicted by a jury of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and receive and pay health care kickbacks, one count of payment of kickbacks in connection with a federal health care program, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering; and five counts of money laundering.
Moreira was the owner and operator of Anna Nursing, a Miami home health care agency that purported to provide home health and physical therapy services to Medicare beneficiaries.
According to evidence presented at trial, Moreira operated Anna Nursing for the purpose of billing the Medicare Program for, among other things, expensive physical therapy and home health care services that were not medically necessary and/or not provided.
Moreira paid kickbacks and bribes to patients, negotiated and interacted with patient recruiters, and coordinated and oversaw the submission of fraudulent claims to the Medicare program. Moreira also laundered money received from Medicare in order to conceal her financial transactions and generate cash needed to pay kickbacks to patients, patient recruiters, and others in return for assisting her in the fraudulent scheme at Anna Nursing.
From approximately July 2010 through approximately May 2013, Anna Nursing was paid approximately $7 million by Medicare for fraudulent claims for home health services that were not medically necessary and/or not provided.
This case was investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Chief Benton Curtis and Trial Attorney A. Brendan Stewart of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged more than 1,700 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $5.5 billion. In addition, HHS’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
To learn more about the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), go to www.stopmedicarefraud.gov.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Gisele Bündchen Sizzles as Pantene’s Newest Ambassador
Procter & Gamble News Release:
| Gisele Bündchen Sizzles as Pantene’s Newest Ambassador |
The International Supermodel and UN Goodwill Ambassador Named New Face of Iconic Hair Care Brand
Pantene and one of the world’s most recognized supermodels, Gisele Bündchen, are coming together to create a match made in hair heaven. (Photo: Business Wire)
“Gisele is truly a woman who has it all – not only does she have one of the most iconic heads of hair in the beauty world but she is also a true role model with a huge heart,” says
“I feel my hair has been through it all – from being styled more than ten times in one day to enjoying the sun and surf with my children – and Pantene has helped to keep it healthy with every wash, no matter what the day may bring,” says Bündchen. “I love that Pantene not only stands for healthy, strong hair, but also encourages women to give back specifically through a program like Pantene Beautiful Lengths.”
Gisele Bündchen will be the face of the new Pantene campaign debuting in
Pantene will also launch the NEW Damage Detox Collection, designed for women in need of an elevated level of damage repair looking to essentially ‘reset’ their hair, is the first-to-mass detoxifying shampoo, conditioner, and treatment system that cleanses impurities, protects from oxidative damage and provides shine.
For more information, visit www.Pantene.com. To see upcoming exclusive content of Gisele, become a fan on
ABOUT PANTENE PRO-V®:
The Pantene Pro-V line includes 21 collections that help provide all women with healthy, beautiful hair. The current Pantene Pro-V offerings include: Repair & Protect, Daily Moisture Renewal, Smooth & Sleek, Sheer Volume, Color Preserve, Curl Perfection, Beautiful Lengths, Nature Fusion, Classic Care, Anti-Breakage, Aqua Light, Everlasting Ends, Heat Shield, Ice Shine, Truly Natural, Truly Relaxed, Ultimate 10 as well as Pantene Expert Age Defy and Advanced Keratin Repair and Stylers.
Pantene products are available nationwide at drug stores, food stores and mass merchandisers. Pricing is at the sole discretion of the retailer. Suggested retail prices for products range from
ABOUT GISELE BÜNDCHEN:
Gisele (and her twin) is one of the middle sisters in a house of six girls. She was born in a small city in
ABOUT
P&G serves approximately 4.8 billion people around the world with its brands. The Company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Ace®, Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Duracell®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Fusion®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Iams®, Lenor®, Mach3®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, Prestobarba®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, Wella®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.
*based on 2012 worldwide volume sales.
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