The Middle District of Florida U.S. Attorney's Office has reported collections exceeding $47 million in civil and criminal actions for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. Acting U.S. Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announced that $16,429,786 was collected from criminal cases, while civil actions accounted for $31,056,428.
The Civil Division of the Middle District of Florida (MDFL), under the leadership of Civil Chief Randy Harwell, recovered a total of $104,533,923 on behalf of federal agencies through affirmative civil enforcement cases. This includes local recoveries and an additional $73,477,495 from cases handled jointly with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Department of Justice Civil Frauds Section.
“These strong recovery figures show a continued commitment by our office in the critical areas of criminal and civil enforcement,” stated Acting United States Attorney Sara Sweeney. “Safeguarding the interests of crime victims, the American taxpayers, and vital public programs will always be a part of our district’s core mission.”
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are tasked with enforcing and collecting debts owed to the U.S., including restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered physical injury or financial loss.
The MDFL’s Asset Recovery Division, led by Chief Laura Taylor, collected a total of $16,456,189 through criminal monetary penalties and forfeiture actions. This includes $16,429,786 in criminal monetary penalties from local prosecutions and an additional $26,403 from joint efforts with other offices.
Forfeited assets totaling $35,981,653 were also collected during FY 2024. Of this amount, $10,604,039 was returned to victims of criminal offenses and over $4 million was shared with law enforcement agencies at various levels.
Several significant affirmative civil enforcement cases were highlighted:
- In "United States ex rel. Jacob v. Walgreens Boots Alliance," allegations involved false claims submitted by Walgreens for prescriptions not picked up by beneficiaries. The case settled for $106.8 million.
- "United States v. Lubin" involved Dr. Edward Lubin allegedly receiving kickbacks related to opioid prescriptions; it settled for $1.5 million.
- "U.S. ex rel. Loscalzo v. Bluestone Physician Services" concerned false claims by Bluestone; resolved for $14.9 million.
- Daniel Hurt faced allegations related to fraudulent Medicare claims; he agreed to settle for approximately $27 million.
- "United States v. Robert J. Remington" addressed subsidy program violations by New Horizons Computer Learning Center franchises; settled for $1,350,000.
- In "United States ex rel GNGH2 Inc v Miles Partnership LLC," allegations involved improper PPP loan acquisition; settled for $2,281,950.
- H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center disclosed billing issues resulting in a settlement agreement to pay over $19 million.
- Baptist Health System resolved potential Anti-Kickback statute violations with a payment agreement of $1.5 million.
These cases reflect ongoing efforts to address fraud schemes impacting federal programs.