Feds say suspect in $55 million Medicare fraud scheme spent big money on cars, horses, jewelry

Feds say Medicare fraud suspect spent big on cars

MIAMI — Federal prosecutors in Miami say a suspect in a $55 million Medicare fraud scheme spent big money on exotic cars, horses and jewelry.

Prosecutors said at a hearing Monday that Ihosvany (EE’-ohs-vah-nee) Marquez used fraud proceeds to buy eight Mercedes-Benz cars, two Bentleys, two Lamborghinis and a Ferrari. They said Marquez also spent $1 million on horses and $500,000 on jewelry.

Marquez and others operated seven clinics that prosecutors say made millions of dollars in fraudulent claims to Medicare for expensive treatments and therapies. Marquez pleaded not guilty Monday and was ordered held without bail until trial.

Marquez faces a lengthy prison term if convicted of all 25 charges against him.