Boca Raton, FL (August 6, 2015) – Irma Davidian, 52, is accused of Medicaid fraud after allegedly bribing employees of the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Social Security Administration to process false applications. According to court documents, Davidian would unlawfully obtain government benefits such as Social Security, Medicaid, and food stamps for clients for a few thousand dollars.
It is further alleged that Davidian paid Florida Department of Children and Families interview clerk, Gladys Roman, to submit the applications. Roman then had fellow employee, George Lopez, to approve the false applications. If a different case worker was assigned, Lopez would supposedly override the assignment and reassign the case to himself. Roman and Lopez were paid about $1,000 a month for their assistance in the scam. Davidian apparently also hired employees of the Social Security Administration, Maria Sanchez and Alejandro Lomoso, to process the applications.
Among Davidian’s clients were former NHL hockey player Sergei Berezin and his wife Lyundmila Ustakova. Berezin, former player for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ustakova falsified records in order to receive Medicaid and food stamps benefits that they were not eligible to obtain. The couple claimed to have zero income. However, they were living in a home estimated to be worth more than $650,000. They were caught in June by investigators after meeting with an informant to secure benefits.
Irma Davidian is currently being charged with conspiracy to give a gratuity to a public official, along with conspiracy to commit bribery in programs receiving federal funds and conspiracy to commit health care fraud. If convicted, she may face a half a million dollar fine plus a 10-year prison sentence.
Roman and Lopez of Florida Department of Children and Families are charged with conspiracy to commit bribery in programs receiving federal funds and conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Sanchez and Lomoso of the Social Security Administration are charged with conspiracy to receive and accept a gratuity by a public official. All four accomplices face five-year prison sentences and $250,000 fines. In total, the scheme cost the Florida Medicaid program more than $2.7 million.
Medicaid fraud is a serious crime that can have severe consequences. If you or someone you know is being charged with Medicaid fraud, it is imperative that you have an experienced attorney on your side. Contact Robert Malove at (954) 861-0384 for a confidential consultation.