North of Orlando, investigators from the Florida Attorney General's Office, the Florida Department of Health, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ocala Police Department all descended on a dentist's office.
They arrived at 9 a.m. and left six hours later, taking with them computers, paperwork and anything else inside the business that investigators believed might be helpful to them. Officers turned patients away and employees posted a sign that the dental office was temporarily closed.
According to a newspaper report, this wasn't the first time the office owned by a pair of local, married dentists had been visited by investigators. A year and a half ago, DEA agents served an inspection warrant, removing files and interviewing workers. The warrant was apparently served to ensure that employees were following regulations for the distribution of controlled substances.
Four months later, officials said their investigation was over. No charges were filed against the dentists. No fines were issued. The owners had been told to "keep better records," according to the newspaper.
The publication now reports that the most recent investigation is related to alleged Medicaid fraud, though it offers no evidence or hint of wrongdoing. We decline to speculate on the matter.
But we do note that in similar circumstances, our office can help people under investigation. Those being investigated can sometimes be in the dark about possible charges, and about how to deal with law enforcement agencies. At the Law Offices of Horwitz & Citro, P.A., we have experience representing clients under investigation as well as in defending clients charged with Medicaid or Medicare fraud or prescription drug fraud. Please see our Healthcare Fraud page for more information.
