Ten Arrested in Nationwide Crackdown on Healthcare Fraud and Opioid Abuse: An In-Depth Look at the Allegations and Charges against Florida Suspects

In a nationwide crackdown on healthcare fraud and opioid abuse, the Department of Justice has charged ten individuals with criminal offenses. Nine of the suspects hail from Florida, where they are accused of defrauding programs designed to care for the elderly and disabled.

During the two-week law enforcement action, 193 defendants were targeted for their alleged involvement in healthcare fraud and opioid abuse schemes. The resulting false billings allegedly totaled over $2.75 billion. Law enforcement officials seized over $231 million in cash, luxury vehicles, gold, and other assets as part of the operation.

The suspects arrested and charged in Florida include Ma Gracia Cadet, Eva LeBeau, Lori Lebrecht, Robert Desselle, Marques Elijah Green, Lisa Williams, Lawrence Waldman, Erin Kim, Eric Brewer, and Waymon Wallace. Each individual is accused of participating in different types of healthcare fraud schemes that have resulted in serious harm to vulnerable populations.

Eric Brewer is accused of stealing fentanyl meant for patients in Tampa hospitals and injecting himself with the illegal substance while working at those hospitals. He was caught when his colleagues noticed his impaired behavior during a shift and found his used bloody paper towel and needle in a bathroom. Lisa Williams is also accused of tampering with fentanyl infusion bags in a hospital setting. Both individuals are facing charges related to drug possession and distribution.

Cadet, LeBeau, Desselle