Two Florida men were arrested on charges that alleged they illegally bought and sold prescriptions for durable medical equipment and used those prescriptions to file fraudulent Medicare claims for more than $11 million, the U.S. Justice Department said March 1.
The indictment also alleges that Zachary Seid, 35, and Anthony Cracchiolo, 42, sold prescriptions to other durable medical equipment supply companies so those companies in turn could also file fraudulent Medicare claims. The scheme allegedly went on from July 2019 through at least October 2020.
In connection with the allegations, Mr. Seid and Mr. Cracchiolo are each charged with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and wire fraud, healthcare fraud, wire fraud, and receiving kickbacks in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. The conspiracy and wire fraud charges each carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years; the healthcare fraud count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years; and the Anti-Kickback violation charge carries a maximum sentence of five years. Sentencing will be determined by a judge at a later date.