CORAL SPRINGS, FL – Three Broward County men have been sentenced to federal prison for orchestrating a massive health care fraud and money laundering scheme that bilked Medicare out of millions of dollars.
The Sentences Handed Down
Federal prosecutors announced the prison terms for the three defendants, who previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering:
- Jose Mendez, 34, of Coral Springs: Sentenced to 78 months in prison; ordered to pay over $2.2 million in forfeiture and $3 million in restitution.
- Marco Scamarone, 34, of Tamarac: Sentenced to 70 months in prison; ordered to pay over $2.2 million in forfeiture and $3 million in restitution.
- Renee Vazquez, 33, of Tamarac: Sentenced to 60 months in prison; ordered to pay over $1.7 million in forfeiture and $2.2 million in restitution.
How the Fraud Operated
According to court documents, the trio owned and operated two fraudulent durable medical equipment companies: Braces and Orthotics LLC (based in Virginia) and Stone Oak Durable Medical Equipment LLC (located in South Florida).
Between January 2022 and February 2023, these companies submitted approximately $6.9 million in false claims to Medicare for orthotic braces that were medically unnecessary.
Kickbacks and Shell Companies
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida stated that the defendants relied on illegal kickbacks paid to an offshore marketing company to acquire beneficiary referrals and fraudulent doctors’ orders.
Once Medicare paid out the claims, the men laundered more than $2.2 million in illicit proceeds through a complex network of shell companies controlled by them and their associates to enrich themselves at taxpayer expense.
Federal Accountability
Federal authorities emphasized that protecting programs like Medicare, which serve vulnerable patients and seniors, remains a top priority. Officials stated that the significant prison sentences and hefty financial penalties send a clear message that health care fraud in South Florida will face strict federal accountability.
