Trump's pardons included healthcare execs behind massive frauds

"At the last minute, President Donald Trump granted pardons to several individuals convicted in huge Medicare swindles that prosecutors alleged often harmed or endangered elderly and infirm patients while fleecing taxpayers.

"These aren't just technical financial crimes. These were major, major crimes," said Louis Saccoccio, CEO of the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association, an advocacy group."

"The list of some 200 Trump pardons or commutations, most issued as he vacated the White House this week, included at least seven doctors or health care entrepreneurs who ran discredited health care enterprises, from nursing homes to pain clinics."

"One is a former doctor and California hospital owner embroiled in a massive workers’ compensation kickback scheme that prosecutors alleged prompted more than 14,000 dubious spinal surgeries. Another was in prison after prosecutors accused him of ripping off more than $1 billion from Medicare and Medicaid through nursing homes and other senior care facilities, among the largest frauds in U.S. history."

Full Article: [fiercehealthcare.com]

Fraudster freed from prison by Trump faces prosecution under Biden

"Philip Esformes beat the system. Or so it seemed."

"Less than five years into a 20-year sentence for his role in a massive fraud scheme — bankrolling a highflying Miami Beach lifestyle of luxury cars, designer clothing and high-priced escorts - Esformes walked out of federal prison thanks to Donald Trump, who granted him clemency in the waning days of his presidency."

Full Article: [washingtonpost.com]