Macomb County Couple Sentenced for $5M Health Care Fraud, Tax Evasion
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A couple in Macomb County has been sentenced to prison for a $5-million health-care-fraud kickback conspiracy, tax evasion, and fraud. Noli Tcruz, 68, received six years, while Isabel Tcruz, also 68, received just over three years for their scheme involving several home health care companies which committed fraud against Medicare. Additionally, Noli Tcruz engaged in COVID-19 pandemic fraud, stealing more than $250,000 from pandemic assistance funds.
Michigan Couple Sentenced for $5 Million Health Care Fraud and Tax Evasion
A couple from Macomb County received separate prison sentences on Thursday for their involvement in a $5-million health-care-fraud conspiracy and tax evasion, federal authorities reported. Noli Tcruz and Isabel Tcruz, both 68, were sentenced for their fraudulent operation of several home health care companies in Macomb County, leading to a $5-million scheme. Noli Tcruz was also involved in COVID-19 pandemic fraud.
The Tcruzes’ scheme exploited homebound Medicare beneficiaries, claiming to provide legitimate medical care while engaging in fraud. “Noli and Isabel Tcruz’s fraud harmed taxpayers and the government programs our tax dollars fund, including Medicare and Covid-19 programs,” stated U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison.
Doctors Admit to Accepting Kickbacks
Dr. Terry Baul and Dr. David Calderone pled guilty to accepting kickbacks and bribes for referring Medicare beneficiaries to the Tcruzes. The physicians have been sentenced and must pay over $3 million in combined restitution and forfeiture judgments. Their penalties also include exclusion from Medicare and other federal health care programs.
Tcruzes Evaded Taxes and Committed COVID-19 Fraud
The Tcruzes gained Medicare referrals through bribes and kickbacks, and further failed to pay taxes on both personal and business income. Following the closure of their last home health company in February 2020, Noli Tcruz began defrauding COVID-19 programs. He used a family member’s identity to steal more than $250,000 from the U.S. Small Business Administration and Health and Human Services pandemic assistance funds.
Charles Miller, IRS Criminal Investigation special agent, highlighted the dual nature of the couple’s crime: “Not only was blatant stealing of funds, allotted for the healthcare of Americans, committed, but U.S. Citizens were stolen from again when no tax was paid on any of the couple’s income,” he said.
This case was investigated by special agents of the IRS-Criminal Investigations Division and the DHHS-Office of the Inspector General, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Lievense.
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