March 9 (UPI) — A Texas man who schemed his way into nearly $60 million in fraudulent medical claims for unnecessary medical equipment was order to pay millions in restitution, forfeit cars and properties, and spend 90 months in jail.
Patrick Cassells, 65, of Fulshear, Texas pleaded guilty in June 2024 to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
On Friday, he was sentenced to jail, in addition to paying $25.4 million in restitution and giving up four vehicles and three properties in Houston, the Department of Justice announced.
Cassells owned and operated three companies that supply patients with durable medical equipment such as knee, back, shoulder and wrist braces.
On paperwork to enroll in Medicare, Cassells lied about who owned and operated one of the companies while working with other people who sent him fake medical paperwork for orthotic braces and other…
HOW TO SPOT A “RED FLAG” (THE BEHAVIORAL AUDIT)
Keep an eye out for these behavioral shifts in your staff:
Refusal to take leave: Afraid someone will find their “adjustments.”
Unexplained wealth: Buying luxury items that don’t match their known salary.
Working odd hours: Preferring to work alone late at night when no one is watching the system.
“Gatekeeper” behavior: Becoming overly defensive or angry when someone asks to see their records.