Roberto A. Fernández, Owner of Latin Health Fund in Coral Gables, Arrested for Medicare Fraud and Drug Conspiracy: Roberto A. Fernández, the owner of Latin Health Fund in Coral Gables, has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a large-scale Medicare fraud scheme, illegal drug distribution, and other criminal activities. Authorities accuse Fernández of orchestrating a conspiracy involving 16 shipments of Medicare goods, six health care facilities, and fraudulent practices that resulted in an estimated $20 million in losses to the Medicare program.
The arrest, which occurred on March 22, is part of a broader federal investigation targeting individuals involved in health care fraud. Several co-conspirators have already been convicted and are serving prison sentences. Niurka Fernández, who was linked to Calan Pharmacy and Elite Home Services, is serving a 10-year sentence. Arturo Alberto Oms, who owned Calan Pharmacy, received an 8-year sentence. Jesús Díaz, who was associated with Star Light Health Care Agency, is serving 9 years, while Jorge Caballero was sentenced to three years and four months.
According to prosecutors, Fernández operated across various local medical institutions, leveraging his businesses to defraud the Medicare system. The scheme reportedly involved submitting false claims for medically unnecessary goods and services, while also engaging in illegal drug distribution. Investigators uncovered evidence of payments being funneled through kickback schemes, allowing Fernández and his associates to profit illicitly at the expense of taxpayers.
The charges against Fernández are extensive. He faces one count of mail fraud, 11 charges related to the fraudulent distribution of health care goods, one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, and multiple charges for conspiring to pay and receive illegal kickbacks. In addition, he is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, as well as two counts of distributing controlled substances.
The health care facilities implicated in the scheme, including Calan Pharmacy, Elite Home Services, and Star Light Health Care Agency, were allegedly used as fronts to facilitate the fraud. These businesses processed false Medicare claims, distributed unnecessary prescription drugs, and operated as part of a coordinated effort to exploit the Medicare system.
This case sheds light on the growing problem of health care fraud in the United States. Fraudulent schemes like this not only divert critical resources from patients in need but also burden taxpayers with billions of dollars in losses every year. Federal authorities have stressed the importance of bringing offenders to justice to maintain the integrity of the health care system.
The legal proceedings against Fernández are ongoing, but his arrest and the convictions of his co-conspirators demonstrate the government’s commitment to cracking down on health care fraud. In addition to the criminal charges, Fernández may face financial restitution and forfeiture of assets tied to the fraudulent scheme.
As the investigation continues, authorities are determined to hold all involved parties accountable and recover the stolen funds. This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for stricter oversight and enforcement within the health care industry to prevent similar abuses in the future.
