A Hollywood, Fla., ophthalmologist has pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy, filing false tax returns and lying to federal law enforcement agents, according to a Miami Herald news report.
Alan Mendelsohn, MD, who was a well-known fundraiser with many political connections, lobbied legislators on healthcare issues. Dr. Mendelsohn said during the plea hearing that he conspired with politicians in a "pay-to-play" system in which politicians would pay financial rewards to those who diverted money to the "right places" and retaliated against those who refused, according to the report. In one such instance, Dr. Mendelsohn admitted to paying $82,000 to an associate of a former state senator, who demanded that Dr. Mendelsohn "hire" the aide.
Dr. Mendelsohn, who originally faced more than three dozen charges, had all original charges dropped in exchange for his guilty plea to the conspiracy charge. Dr. Mendelsohn admitted to funneling more than $700,000 directly from contributors and three political action committees he controlled into his own pocket. Additionally, Dr. Mendelsohn underreported taxable income by approximately $600,000, according to the report.
Dr. Mendelsohn's sentencing has been scheduled for Feb. 17.
Read the news report about Dr. Alan Mendelsohn's guilty plea.
Read other coverage about physician fraud and abuse:
- Michigan Internist, Four Others Arrested for $14.5 Fraud Scheme
- Las Vegas Surgeon Keeps Medical License After Pleading Guilty in Fraud Case
- Healthcare Fraud Lawsuit Filed Against N.C. Internist
Alan Mendelsohn, MD, who was a well-known fundraiser with many political connections, lobbied legislators on healthcare issues. Dr. Mendelsohn said during the plea hearing that he conspired with politicians in a "pay-to-play" system in which politicians would pay financial rewards to those who diverted money to the "right places" and retaliated against those who refused, according to the report. In one such instance, Dr. Mendelsohn admitted to paying $82,000 to an associate of a former state senator, who demanded that Dr. Mendelsohn "hire" the aide.
Dr. Mendelsohn, who originally faced more than three dozen charges, had all original charges dropped in exchange for his guilty plea to the conspiracy charge. Dr. Mendelsohn admitted to funneling more than $700,000 directly from contributors and three political action committees he controlled into his own pocket. Additionally, Dr. Mendelsohn underreported taxable income by approximately $600,000, according to the report.
Dr. Mendelsohn's sentencing has been scheduled for Feb. 17.
Read the news report about Dr. Alan Mendelsohn's guilty plea.
Read other coverage about physician fraud and abuse:
- Michigan Internist, Four Others Arrested for $14.5 Fraud Scheme
- Las Vegas Surgeon Keeps Medical License After Pleading Guilty in Fraud Case
- Healthcare Fraud Lawsuit Filed Against N.C. Internist