NAPLES, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott made the following statement this morning regarding last night’s law enforcement related shootings in Kissimmee and Jacksonville that resulted in the loss of Kissimmee Police Officer Matthew Baxter. Two state troopers were also shot in Pennsylvania last night.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Last night, I learned of two separate incidents in Florida where four law enforcement officers where shot – in Kissimmee and in Jacksonville. We also learned that two state troopers were shot in Pennsylvania as well.
“Unfortunately, a member of the Kissimmee Police Department lost his life. Kissimmee Police Department Officer Matthew Baxter was a married father of three and a dedicated law enforcement hero in Central Florida. The violence last night also left another member of the Kissimmee Police Department, Sgt. Sam Howard, in grave condition. We are praying for his recovery and the recovery of all law enforcement injured last night, including the two officers from the Jacksonville Police Department.
“Let me be very clear – last night’s violence against our law enforcement community is reprehensible and has no place in our state. Florida has zero tolerance for violence and we will not accept hatred for one second. In Florida, justice is swiftly served against anyone who attacks our law enforcement officers.
“Today, I join every Floridian to honor these law enforcement officers, their brothers and sisters in uniform, and their families. My heart breaks for Matthew’s family. May Matthew’s service and the service of our law enforcement community be a constant reminder of the sacrifice of those who serve to keep us safe. Following last night’s shootings I have been in touch with local law enforcement and community officials to let them know that our state supports them every step of the way.”
“The best thing about Florida is the people who live here. Every day I meet peaceful, loving, and thoughtful people who love the Sunshine State. I am proud that we live in a safe state, and our crime rate is at a 46-year low because of our hard-working law enforcement officers.”
Kissimmee Police Department
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.
