Attorney General Pam Bondi Wednesday will moderate President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump’s Women’s Empowerment Panel. The panel will be held at the White House. Panelists include U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, Administrator of the Small Business Administration Linda McMahon, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Seema Verma.
“As Florida’s first female attorney general, I am honored to moderate this panel with such remarkable and accomplished leaders,” said Attorney General Bondi.
The President and First Lady’s Women’s Empowerment Panel will begin at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 29, at the White House.
View the invitation here.
Attorney General Pam Bondi
Arrest Made in Connection to Multistate Cargo Theft Ring
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement today announced an arrest in connection to a cargo theft ring that stole semi-trucks and trailers with various cargo from areas in Georgia and Florida. The stolen property included beer, energy drinks, refrigerators and power tools, totaling more than a million dollars in losses.
“Members of this multistate theft ring are charged with stealing more than a million dollars’ worth of cargo, and then illegally selling the property,” said Attorney General Bondi. “Thanks to the great collaboration between my Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, stolen goods have been recovered and those responsible will be held accountable.”
“Our investigation uncovered a massive cargo theft ring operating in multiple states,” said FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen. “I’m pleased with the work of our agents in dismantling this theft ring and recovering over a million dollars’ worth of stolen items.”
Authorities today arrested William Shepard Ellison, 70, owner of Shep’s Chicken and Auction House and Shep’s Discount Store. According to the investigation, three defendants stole semi-trucks, trailers and cargo and transported the property to Ellison’s two Jacksonville businesses. Ellison then allegedly offered the stolen property for sale. Authorities served search warrants for both businesses and Ellison’s home that resulted in the seizure of thousands of stolen items.
Two additional defendants involved with this operation are in custody and one defendant is still at large. Pedro Fernandez Hernandez, 47, is currently in the custody of the Florida Department of Corrections; Lewis Dominguez, 33, is currently in federal custody on unrelated charges; and Juan Carlos Castaneda Quintana, 45, of Broward County, remains at large.
The defendants face a range of charges including racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering and grand theft. The Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute this case. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigated the case.
Woman Arrested for Travel Fraud Scheme
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement today announced the arrest of Maria Constanza Shults in connection with an organized travel fraud scheme operating in north and central Florida. According to the FDLE investigation, Shults, 62, of Jacksonville, operated an organized scheme defrauding a total of 27 known victims of more than $100,000. Shults’ scheme targeted Catholic parishioners by offering trips to holy sites.
“Preying on people’s religious faith to defraud them will not be tolerated and my Office of Statewide Prosecution will aggressively prosecute this case,” said Attorney General Bondi. “Thanks to a great partnership with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, this travel fraud scheme has been shut down.”
“Fraud can take many forms and in this case, it preyed on the trust of unsuspecting Florida citizens. FDLE is committed to fighting this crime and I am grateful for the hard work of our agents and the diligence of the Office of the Attorney General,” said FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen.
From 2012 through 2015, Shults allegedly proposed trips to Catholic parishioners to holy sites in countries such as Israel, Italy and Portugal. After collecting payments ranging from $2,500 to $7,000 from the victims, Shults allegedly canceled the trips without refunding the victims’ money.
Shults faces one count of organized scheme to defraud in excess of $50,000. The Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute the case. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigated the case.
Three Arrested in Medicaid Fraud Scheme Targeting Homeless
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the Kissimmee Police Department, the Orlando Police Department and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests of three individuals for allegedly defrauding the Medicaid program out of more than $10,000. According to the investigation, the owner of Genesis TCM, a provider of Targeted Case Management services and two Genesis employees, allegedly billed Medicaid for Targeted Case Management services never provided. The defendants allegedly conspired with Tranquility HealthCare Solutions owner, Christina M. Benson, and others to fraudulently bill the Medicaid system.
“My Medicaid Fraud Control Unit works tirelessly to recover stolen Medicaid funds and we will not stand for anyone taking advantage of homeless individuals to essentially steal from taxpayers,” said Attorney General Bondi. “Since taking office we have recovered more than $689 million in Medicaid fraud settlements and judgments, and we will continue to aggressively pursue anyone who attempts to steal from the Medicaid program.”
In 2015, authorities arrested the additional conspirators for allegedly recruiting the homeless to bilk Medicaid out of more than $200,000. For more information on these previous arrests, click here.
The Attorney General’s MFCU began investigating Genesis after learning that Genesis did not provide TCM services to Medicaid recipients, including the homeless. According to the investigation, Genesis promised temporary free housing to these recipients, however once recipients filled out free housing forms, Genesis provided limited or no further contact. Genesis allegedly used the recipients’ Medicaid information listed on the forms to bill for TCM services.
Authorities arrested the following defendants in connection to the case:
- Deborah Del-Moral, 55, Orange County;
- Humberto Javier Santiago, 36, Osceola County; and
- Humberto Santiago, 38, Orange County.
All three defendants face one count of Medicaid provider fraud, a second-degree felony, and one count of organized scheme to defraud, a third-degree felony. If convicted, each defendant faces up to 30 years in prison and more than $15,000 in fines. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case.
The Florida Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigates and prosecutes providers that intentionally defraud the state’s Medicaid program through fraudulent billing practices. Medicaid fraud essentially steals from Florida’s taxpayers. From Jan. 2011 to the present, Attorney General Bondi’s MFCU has obtained more than $689 million in settlements and judgments. Additionally, the MFCU investigates allegations of patient abuse, neglect, and exploitation in facilities receiving payments under the Medicaid program.
Attorney General Bondi’s Statement on State Attorney Ayala’s Neglect of Duty
Attorney General Pam Bondi today released the following statement about State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit Aramis Ayala’s announcement that she “will not be seeking death penalty in cases handled in my office:”
“State Attorney Aramis Ayala’s decision today sends a dangerous message to residents and visitors of the greater Orlando area—furthermore, it is a blatant neglect of duty and a shameful failure to follow the law as a constitutionally elected officer.”
Attorney General Bondi Thanks DOJ for Additional Funding for Victims of Pulse Nightclub Attack
Attorney General Pam Bondi is thanking the U.S. Department of Justice for today awarding Florida more than $8 million to assist the victims of the attack at Pulse nightclub in Orlando last year.
“I am thrilled that my office will receive additional funding to help victims of the Orlando attack,” said Attorney General Bondi. “I want to thank the U.S. Department of Justice for awarding us the funds we requested so that we can continue to make payments and assist victims in any way possible.”
To date, the attack at Pulse nightclub is the deadliest mass shooting by a single individual, the most lethal incident of violence against the LGBTQ community in United States history and the largest terrorist attack in the country since 9/11. At the time of the shooting, more than 400 individuals occupied the nightclub. Of these victims, 49 people lost their lives, 53 suffered physical injuries and countless others were devastated by the attack.
Upon hearing of the tragedy, Attorney General Bondi immediately headed to Orlando with members of her victim advocate staff to assist the victims and their families with direct and indirect needs. The Attorney General’s victim advocates from across the state remained in Orlando for weeks after the attack, offering grief counseling to victims and families, assisting with medical bills and funeral expenses and forging collaborative relationships with other service providers to ensure the victims received all the help they needed.
The Florida Office of the Attorney General will administer the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program funds awarded today. The funds will go to direct victim service costs for operation of the Family Assistance Center in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. The funds will also ensure that victims, witnesses and first responders continue to receive essential services, including mental health counselling.
Attorney General Bondi Introduces Resolution Recognizing Uber’s Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts
Attorney General Pam Bondi today introduced a resolution at the meeting of the Florida Governor and Cabinet recognizing Uber’s efforts and initiatives to educate drivers to help prevent human trafficking.
“Governor Scott and the Florida Cabinet joined me today in recognizing Uber’s proactive efforts to fight human trafficking,” said Attorney General Bondi. “The company and its drivers, operating in more than 70 countries, are uniquely positioned to help identify and ultimately prevent human trafficking and can play a key role in the fight to stop traffickers across the globe. Today’s resolution commends Uber for their commitment to safety in the communities drivers serve and in doing their part to put an end to this horrific crime.”
To view the resolution, click here.
New Report Highlights More than $165 Million in MFCU Recoveries
A newly released report shows Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is recovering millions of lost Medicaid dollars. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General report highlights more than $165 million in recoveries by the MFCU during federal fiscal year 2015-2016.
“My Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigators work tirelessly to stop Medicaid fraud and recover stolen funds for taxpayers,” said Attorney General Bondi. “This report sends the strong message that we will continue to aggressively pursue anyone trying to defraud Florida’s Medicaid program.”
Since taking office in 2011, Attorney General Bondi’s MFCU has obtained more than half a billion dollars in settlements and judgments. The unit investigates and prosecutes providers that intentionally defraud the state’s Medicaid program through fraudulent billing practices. Additionally, the MFCU investigates allegations of patient abuse, neglect and exploitation in facilities receiving payments under the Medicaid program.
Each year HHS OIG publishes a report of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit statistical data for the preceding federal fiscal year. According to the report, Florida ranked second in the nation in total recoveries for the 2015-2016 fiscal year.
To view HHS OIG’s report, click here.
The Florida Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigates and prosecutes providers that intentionally defraud the state’s Medicaid program through fraudulent billing practices. Medicaid fraud essentially steals from Florida’s taxpayers. From Jan. 2011 to the present, Attorney General Bondi’s MFCU has obtained more than $500 million in settlements and judgments. Additionally, the MFCU investigates allegations of patient abuse, neglect, and exploitation in facilities receiving payments under the Medicaid program.
Attorney General Bondi to Convene the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking
MEDIA ADVISORY
Attorney General Pam Bondi will convene this year’s first meeting of the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking today, March 9, at 1:00 p.m. in Tallahassee. The 15-member council, chaired by Attorney General Bondi, builds on existing state and local partnerships working to make Florida a zero-tolerance state for human trafficking. Members of the council include law enforcement officers, legislators, prosecutors and experts in health, education and social services.
WHO: Attorney General Pam Bondi and members of the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking
WHEN: Thursday, March 9, 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Cabinet Meeting Room
The Capitol, LL-03
Tallahassee, Fla.
To view the meeting agenda, click here.
For more information on the Statewide Council for Human Trafficking, visit MyFloridaLegal.com.
Attorney General Bondi Recognizes Consumer Protection Week
Attorney General Pam Bondi is warning Floridians about the latest scams and highlighting some of her office’s more notable successes this Consumer Protection Week. Attorney General Bondi will also be reaching out to consumers directly through Twitter with tips to avoid becoming a victim of a scam. Since 2011, Attorney General Bondi’s Consumer Protection Division has conducted hundreds of investigations and recovered billions of dollars for Floridians.
“Whether it’s homeowners victimized by unfair mortgage servicing practices or people being exploited by price gougers during a state of emergency, we work tirelessly to protect all consumers,” said Attorney General Bondi. “This Consumer Protection Week, I want to thank the hard-working people in my Consumer Protection Division for their unwavering dedication to stopping deceptive and unfair business practices.”
The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division enforces Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and, where possible, helps secure restitution for victims of consumer fraud and other prohibited acts under FDUPTA. Some of the office’s most significant cases include:
- The National Mortgage Settlement, providing more than $9 billion in relief to struggling Florida homeowners;
- Chase Bank Card Services, Inc., providing more than $19 million in relief to Florida consumers and non-profit programs and $1.6 million in penalties;
- Suntrust Bank, providing more than $6.3 million in relief to consumers who lost homes to foreclosure;
- Ocwen, providing nearly $16 million in relief to Florida borrowers, including debt forgiveness and other relief;
- Rome Finance, a multistate settlement resulting in more than $92 million in debt relief to US service members nationwide, with more than $4 million to Floridians;
- Volkswagen, a multistate settlement currently funding consumer restitution of more than $10 billion (up to $5,100 per car) nationally and providing car owners, including nearly 500,000 in Florida, the option to buy back the affected vehicle. Florida also obtained $32 million in civil penalties, fees and costs; and
- Western Sky Financial and Cash Call Inc., a joint settlement with OFR in coordination with a class action that will provide more than $11 million in refunds to Florida borrowers and debt forgiveness of more than $15 million.
Attorney General Bondi’s Consumer Protection Division continues to aggressively pursue consumer fraud and other consumer protection violations affecting Floridians. Most recently, the division has focused on tech support scams, debt relief schemes, robocalling, travel scams and, during the recent hurricanes, price gouging.
Tech Scams: With at least nine cases filed, Attorney General Bondi’s Office has pursued more actions against tech support scam operations than any other state or government agency. Tech scams target consumers, particularly our seniors, through deceptive internet pop-up windows disguised as security warnings claiming the consumer’s computer is infected with malware. The consumer is then given a number to call for immediate help. The number connects the user to sales agents who use scare tactics to sell protection software or other services the consumer does not need.
Debt Relief Schemes: The division has also aggressively pursued debt relief and credit card interest rate reduction schemes that target Floridians already struggling financially. Operators of these schemes often make false statements and collect illegal upfront fees, frequently leaving consumers in even worse financial condition than before. A number of these companies are now banned from the industry thanks to joint legal actions taken by the division and the Federal Trade Commission. For a few recent examples, click here.
Illegal Robocalling: In partnership with the FTC, the division is also working to shut down illegal robocalling. Robocalling occurs when a consumer answers the phone and hears a pre-recorded message, usually selling or attempting to sell a product or service. These calls are an integral component of many unscrupulous schemes and are often used to facilitate credit card interest rate reduction scams, among others. For the latest actions taken by this office against robocallers, click here.
Travel Scams: Florida’s visitors and residents alike are susceptible to these scams, which often start with enticing consumers to attend presentations with promises of free gifts—such as free cruises, airline tickets or gift cards—that are usually difficult or impossible to redeem. The high pressure sales pitches used in these presentations typically include offers of vacation club or travel club memberships, promising deep discounts. Often though, these alleged discounts are the same or even less than what consumers might find on their own. In the last year alone, the division filed four actions against travel clubs and promoters and reached settlements with three businesses securing more than $500,000 in consumer relief.
Price Gouging: When a state of emergency is declared, the Attorney General’s Office activates Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline. During a state of emergency, it is unlawful to sell or lease essential commodities at an amount grossly exceeding the average price for that commodity during the previous 30 days. In the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, the division filed litigation against three hotels charging unconscionable room-rates, and other investigations are ongoing. For more information about this litigation, click here.
Anyone who suspects deceptive or unfair business practices can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office at MyFloridaLegal.com or call 1(866) 9-NO-SCAM.
Consumers can follow @AGPamBondi on Twitter for tips to safeguard against scams.
