Former NFL player Rufus French has been sentenced to more than 16 years in prison for his involvement in a Medicare fraud scheme worth nearly $200 million. The 48-year-old tight end, who played for the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers, must also pay nearly $111 million in restitution and forfeit approximately $17 million seized by the government from bank accounts and other assets.
Details of the Scheme
According to the Department of Justice, the scheme involved bribes, overseas telemarketers, and the distribution of unnecessary medical devices to senior citizens and disabled veterans. The fraudulent billing cost taxpayers millions.
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division stated: 'Fueled by lies, bribes, and overseas telemarketers, this corrupt scheme preyed on senior citizens and disabled veterans to flood the country with unnecessary medical devices - and then billed the taxpayer for it.'
Sentencing and Restitution
In addition to the prison term, French is ordered to pay restitution of nearly $111 million and forfeit around $17 million. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat healthcare fraud targeting vulnerable populations.
More details are expected to follow as the investigation continues.
