They went from a raft to a ‘vast empire of fraud,’ feds say
MIAMI — A federal judge handed out prison sentences to a husband and wife who arrived to the U.S. from Cuba on a raft and went on to create a $38 million health care and wire fraud scheme, using the proceeds to purchase multiple properties, fancy cars, expensive jewelry and cosmetic procedures.
Earlier this month, the judge sentenced Rodolfo Pichardo, 71, of Hialeah, to more than 15 years, and his wife, Marta Pichardo, 66, to eight years. The couple created at least six fraudulent home health agencies, three fraudulent therapy staffing companies and two fraudulent pharmacies, according to a statement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the
Southern District of
Florida.
“After arriving in the United States from Cuba on a raft seeking refuge and a better life ... Rodolfo Pichardo and his wife Marta Pichardo settled in Miami-Dade County, Florida where they proceeded to build a vast empire of fraud,” the statement, released Friday, said.
The scheme ran from May 2010 through September 2016 and centered around kickbacks, paid in cash and by check, to patient recruiters who would refer Medicare patients to home health agencies owned by Rodolfo Pichardo, according to court documents. The Pichardos submitted more than $38 million in false Medicare claims and were paid out more than $33 million, the documents said.
Home health companies provide skilled nursing care and other services, such as physical therapy, at the patient’s home instead of at a provider or in a nursing home.
Rodolfo Pichardo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, and all remaining counts against him were dismissed, according to court records.
In an objection to sentencing documents filed against him, Rodolfo Pichardo’s attorney described him as in declining mental and physical health: suffering from diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions.
Marta and Rodolfo Pichardo have been married for 48 years, according to court records filed by Marta Pichardo’s attorney.