The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has announced criminal charges against several individuals as part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, targeting alleged schemes to defraud Medicare and other federal healthcare programs.
This nationwide enforcement action, described as the largest in Department history, resulted in charges against 455 defendants across 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories. These charges involve 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, with alleged schemes totaling over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm. Law enforcement seized over $182 million in assets, including cash, houses, luxury vehicles, and jewelry.
In the Middle District of Florida, Leigh Tesar, Walter Presha, Jr., and Koby Evans were indicted for a wound care fraud scheme exceeding $118 million, with Medicare paying approximately $61 million on false claims. The government has seized about $11.8 million in assets related to this case. Additionally, Leo Corrigan faces charges for conspiring to defraud Medicare of over $7.5 million through fraudulent COVID-19 tests and genetic testing kickbacks, receiving approximately $1.7 million in illegal payments.
Konstantin Braverman was charged in connection with a scheme that submitted approximately 152,000 fraudulent COVID-19 test claims to Medicare, resulting in reimbursements of about $14.4 million, of which Braverman allegedly received over $1.5 million. Rustam Abdaev, a Russian citizen, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering for his role in a durable medical equipment (DME) fraud scheme that billed Medicare and Medicaid over $19 million.
Lawrence Waldman of Miami entered a civil settlement to pay $5 million to resolve a False Claims Act case involving kickbacks for medically unnecessary genetic and respiratory diagnostic testing. He also pleaded guilty to criminal charges and awaits sentencing. Henry Garcia of Bradenton was indicted for a kickback scheme involving medically unnecessary knee and back braces supplied to Medicare beneficiaries.
Marc Vincent Pazienza, a licensed Florida attorney, was charged with wire fraud and falsification of records for allegedly stealing over $300,000 from clients, funds derived from Medicare fraud, and providing false documents to a federal grand jury. Laurent Cassagnol and Heriberto L. Rivera were charged with conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks, with Rivera, CEO of Family Integrative Medicine of Orlando, allegedly paying Cassagnol, a VA employee, to refer VA patients, leading to over $14 million in claims to the VA.
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe said, “Companies or individuals who exploit these systems through fraud and deception for their personal gain compromise the efficacy of those services and commit theft from taxpayers.” FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley added, “Health care fraud is not a victimless crime. It steals taxpayer dollars, undermines trust in critical public programs and diverts resources from those who need it most.”
Special Agent in Charge Isaac M. Bledsoe of HHS-OIG emphasized the commitment to protecting federal healthcare programs, stating, “Those who exploit patients or jeopardize the integrity of our programs for personal gain will be held accountable.” VA Inspector General Cheryl L. Mason affirmed, “Our unwavering commitment is to protect veterans and safeguard the critical resources meant for their care.”
These enforcement actions underscore the Department of Justice’s focus on combating fraud, supported by the newly created National Fraud Enforcement Division and President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.