TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — More than dozens of Floridians have been charged after one of the Department of Justice’s biggest healthcare fraud investigations have been filed on record.
The 2025 National Healthcare Fraud Scam was intended to engage federal and state law enforcement agencies nationwide and combat healthcare fraud schemes with patients and taxpayers.
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This effort has resulted in criminal charges against 324 doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other health professionals across the country. Of these, 19 were Florida, and the group worked at a physical rehabilitation center in Tampa.
The owner of Spring Hill’s 48-year-old unnamed Tampari Habilitation Centre has recruited individuals to participate in a gradual car accident and seek medical appointments at the clinic, according to the DOJ.
Carlos del Sol, 30, of Tampa, who worked at the clinic, will help patients complete insurance documents containing false statements and pay cash in return. Authorities said Del Sol and Del Sol Perez have made at least $4.7 million through their plans.
According to the DOJ, Greisys Cuellar Hernandez, 41, of Tampa, is accused of supporting a stage conflict and seeking treatment at the physical rehabilitation center where she worked. Her actions resulted in multiple insurance payments to the clinic, and detectives said Hernandez was paid $52,000 for her role in the plot.
Similarly, investigators said Ricardo Ramos, 49, of Tampa, will file a false police report related to a gradual traffic accident and will instruct patients to report high levels of pain while working as a chiropractor at a local clinic.
Other Floridians indicted in large-scale investigations, such as Elixtrom Holland, 55, of Fort Myers, had prescribed drugs like oxycodone to patients who did not need drugs.
Investigators said the Netherlands runs “all Naichal Pain Clinics” and will use lies to recruit doctors to work for him. Detectives said the Dutch scheme resulted in improper distribution of more than 103,000 oxycodone tablets.
“Millions of Americans rely on the ethical and legal practices of healthcare professionals and providers to provide important services to patients every day,” said a US lawyer for the Central District of Florida Gregory Kehoe. “When criminals exploit federal health programs and betray the trust of their beneficiaries, the integrity of our systems is compromised. Our office works with our law enforcement partners to drive out these offenders and put them on trial.”
Other Floridians charged in the investigation include:
William Balsamo (65, Springhill) has been charged with conspiracy to pay and receive medical kickbacks in connection with a scheme that fraudulently fraudulent US and provides doctors’ orders to pharmacies, durable medical devices (“DME”) businesses. Edward Cannatelli (60, Parkland), Robbie Cannatelli (68, Parkland), Thomas Phase (82, Fort Lauderdale), and Virginia Rockett (55, Margate) were charged with conspiracy roles to deceive the Medicare program. Patrick Michael Flint, 43, Coconut Creek, pleaded guilty to refer Medicare beneficiaries for COVID-19 testing and conspiring to seek kickbacks to buy and sell Medicare beneficiary identification numbers. Michelle Forsyth, 61, Ocala, was charged with 14 count wire fraud and one count aggravated identity theft in connection with the use of 22 individuals’ names and insurance contract information. Leo Joseph Govoni (67, Clearwater) and John Leo Vivek (60, Tampa) have been charged with the role of conspiracy to recruit, steal and seduce beneficiary funds from clients at the Special Needs Trust Management Center (CSNT). Lauren Hornbuckle, 36, Seminole, has been charged with one count of tampering with consumer products in connection with illegally obtaining and tampering with morphine in a hospital. Paula Piron (68, Ocala) and Sophie Dufort (56, Gainesville) have been charged with various numbers of conspiracy, medical fraud and kickbacks in connection with a fraudulent scheme to claim $8.6 million for medically unnecessary orthotic equipment. Ricardo Ramos, 49, Tampa, has been charged with one of the conspiracy to commit money laundering for his role in conducting financial transactions, including revenue from mail fraud. Chad Monroe (47, Tarpon Springs) receives approximately $15 million in illegal kickbacks and bribery related to medical and mail fraud, mail fraud, fraudulent US, medical kickback, anti-kickback law violations, and genetic testing to provide $28 benefits for the $28 million aking plan for the Medical Advantage for the Medical Advantage for the Trian Freeze Freeze Freeze Star Bright. Anagha Onuoha aka “Frank Emeka” (61, St. Petersburg) has been charged with making false statements in applying for a passport and theft of government funds.
The DOJ said more than 300 people arrested in investigations across the country were estimated to have caused more than $14.6 billion in losses due to participation in various healthcare fraud schemes.
“This record-breaking healthcare fraud takedown will prey on our most vulnerable citizens and convey justice to criminals who steal from hardworking American taxpayers,” Attorney General Pamela Bondy said. “Don’t make a mistake. This administration will not tolerate criminals who line up their pockets with taxpayer dollars while at risking the health and safety of our community.”
