Dineshkumar Patel, 41, [left], and Bhogilal Patel.Ocala, Florida — Marion county Sheriff’s detectives have arrested two business owners following and undercover investigation that span from June 6 to June 18, 2015.
Detectives said that they had received information that indicated the owners of A to Z Discount Beverages, located at 2626 North Magnolia Avenue, Ocala, were dealing in stolen property and selling synthetic marijuana.
On Thursday, June 18, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Division arrested Dineshkumar Patel, 41, and Bhogilal Patel, 67.
According to reports, undercover Property Crimes detectives were able to conduct several transactions where Dineshkumar believed he was purchasing stolen property. Dineshkumar’s purchases included gift cards, clothes, light bulbs, and power tools.
Items include:
One Dewalt Hammer Drill valued at $139
One Dewalt Drill Valued at $119
One Dewalt reciprocating saw valued at $159
One Troy Built 2800 PSI pressure washer valued at $249
The total value of the alleged stolen items came to $666.
Dineshkumar had specifically requested these items from an informant. The items were legally purchased, and then sold to Dineshkumar as stolen merchandise. He had planned to resell the items from within his store.
Tactical Investigations Unit detectives reported that they were also able to make three (3) purchases of synthetic marijuana from Dineshkumar and Bhogilal.
Following the purchases, detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at the business on Thursday afternoon.
The items that Dineshkumar had purchased were recovered, as well as 42 grams of hydrocodone and approximately 220 grams of synthetic marijuana.
Dineshkumar was charged with Grand Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property (x4), Trafficking in Hydrocodone, Possession of Synthetic Marijuana, and Sale of Synthetic Marijuana.
He was released from jail on a $82,000 bond.
Bhogilal was charged with Possession of Synthetic Marijuana (x2) and Sale of Synthetic Marijuana (x2).
Ocala, Florida — For the second time since the investigation into Florida cardiologist Dr. Asad Qamar with the Institute for Cardiovascular Excellence PLLC (ICE) began, he has released a video statement. He released this video statement on June 17, 2015.
Dr. Qamar says the video is not the egotistical need to settle the score or defend himself from the media in regards to the accusations made by federal investigators.
“I’m very comfortable with who I am, what I’ve done for my patients, what I’ve done for the community, and what I certainly want to continue to do in the future,” Dr. Qamar said.
He went on to say, “At the same time, I felt that I owe it to my patients, staff, and associates that I respond to some of these allegations.”
In the video, Dr. Qamar claimed that he has saved Medicare hundreds of millions of dollars, rather than cost Medicare money.
In January, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began proceedings to have Qamar’s reimbursements suspended.
In a letter to Qamar, Theresa Dampier, CMS Program Integrity Manager, wrote, “The suspension for your Medicare payments is based on ‘credible allegations of fraud,’ which is defined as ‘an allegation from any source,’ including but not limited to ‘fraud hotline complaints and patterns identified through provider audits, civil false claims cases, and law enforcement investigations.’”
According to documents provided by CMS, in 2012, Qamar received $18.2 million in Medicare reimbursements, making him the second-highest paid physician by Medicare for that year. He received $16.03 million from Medicare in 2013.
Qamar is accused of billing for excessive hours, performing unnecessary procedures, failure to submit required supporting documentation for testing and procedures, lack of documentation explaining excessive hours, and failure to provide documentation proving that a procedure was medically necessary.
“Performing medically unnecessary procedures puts patients at risk and contributes to the soaring costs of health care,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Joyce R. Branda for the Justice Department’s Civil Division.
Even though there has been a massive amount of controversy surrounding Dr. Qamar and ICE, his patients appear to be standing by his side. Many of his patients have turned to social media and have scolded the press for reporting the information provided by federal investigators.
CMS said that the allegations against Dr. Qamar are very credible and that the agency does not make the decision to suspend a doctor’s Medicare reimbursements lightly.
CMS has not yet put a dollar amount on the alleged fraud.
More than 240 individuals—including doctors, nurses, and other licensed professionals—were arrested this week for their alleged participation in Medicare fraud schemes involving approximately $712 million in false billings.
The arrests, which began Tuesday, were part of a coordinated operation in 17 cities by Medicare Fraud Strike Force teams, which include personnel from the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and local law enforcement. The Strike Force’s mission is to combat health care fraud, waste, and abuse.
At a press conference on Thursday, at DOJ Headquarters in Washington, D.C., officials said the arrests constituted the largest-ever health care fraud takedown in terms of both loss amount and arrests.
“These are extraordinary figures,” Attorney General Loretta Lynch said. “They billed for equipment that wasn’t provided, for care that wasn’t needed, and for services that weren’t rendered.”
The charges are based on a variety of alleged fraud schemes involving medical treatments and services. According to court documents, the schemes included submitting claims to Medicare for treatments that were medically unnecessary and often not provided. In many of the cases, Medicare beneficiaries and other co-conspirators were allegedly paid cash kickbacks for supplying beneficiary information so providers could submit fraudulent bills to Medicare. Forty-four of the defendants were charged in schemes related to Medicare Part D, the prescription drug benefit program, which is the fastest growing component of Medicare and a growing target for criminals.
“There is a lot of money there, so there are a lot of criminals,” said FBI Director James B. Comey. He described how investigations leveraged technology to collect and analyze data, and rapid response teams to surge where the data showed the schemes were operating. “In these cases, we followed the money and found criminals who were attracted to doctors offices, clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes in search of what they viewed as an ATM.”
Since their inception in 2007, Strike Force teams in the nine cites where they operate have charged more than 2,300 defendants who collectively falsely billed Medicare more than $7 billion. Today’s announcement marked the first time that districts outside Strike Force locations have participated in a national takedown; those districts accounted for 82 of the arrests this week.
The cases:
In Miami, 73 were charged in schemes involving about $263 million in false billings for pharmacy, home health care, and mental health services.
In Houston and McAllen, 22 were charged in cases involving more than $38 million. In one case, the defendant coached beneficiaries on what to tell doctors to make them appear eligible for Medicare services and then received payment for those who qualified. The defendant was paid more than $4 million in fraudulent claims.
In New Orleans, 11 people were charged in connection with home health care and psychotherapy schemes. In one case, four defendants from two companies sent talking glucose monitors across the country to Medicare beneficiaries regardless of whether they were needed or requested. The companies billed Medicare $38 million and were paid $22 million.
“We will not stop here,” HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell said. “We will work tirelessly to prevent these programs from becoming targets and fight fraud wherever we find it.”
More than 900 law enforcement officials participated in the three-day sweep. Those arrested include 46 licensed medical professionals, including 19 doctors. Since 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force has prosecuted more than 200 doctors and more than 400 medical professionals.
In fiscal year 2014, DOJ and HHS health care fraud and prevention efforts recovered nearly $3.3 billion. Over the past five years, DOJ specifically has recovered more than $15 billion in cases involving health care fraud. The average prison sentence in Strike Force cases in fiscal year 2014 was more than four years, though some prosecutions in recent years resulted have in sentences of 50 years.
Andrew Eden [left] and Victoria ThurowOcala, Florida — Two drug dealers are off the street after detectives discovered a couples drug operation while serving a warrant this week.
On Wednesday, Marion County Sheriff’s Detective Tortora and Deputy McQuaig responded to 3841 Northeast 16th Avenue, Ocala, in reference to a warrant check on Andrew W. Eden, 28.
Eden had an active warrant for Robbery by Sudden Snatching.
According to reports, when the detective and deputy made contact with Eden at the front door of the residence, they could smell a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the residence.
As they were securing Eden, his live-in girlfriend, Victoria Thurow, 29, entered the house and walked to a back bedroom.
Detective Tortora and Deputy McQuaig reported that when Thurow entered a back bedroom, they could hear glass breaking.
As Detective Tortora and Deputy McQuaig conducted a sweep of the residence, Detective Tortora saw, in plain view, a box containing marijuana.
At that time, based on what Detective Tortora had observed, a search warrant was requested. It was approved and signed by Judge McCune.
During the search, detectives located six (6) marijuana plants inside the residence. An additional 54 marijuana plants were located in a shed that was located on the property.
Detectives also recovered 74 grams of cocaine, 37 grams of heroin, five (5) hydrocodone pills, three (3) 60mg morphine pills, two (2) xanax, and one (1) 8mg hydromorphine pill.
Also recovered were multiple items used to cultivate and sell marijuana, a loaded .38 caliber revolver with six (6) rounds of live ammunition, a loaded .25 caliber with five (5) rounds of live ammunition, and five (5) cell phones. A records check revealed that the .25 caliber had been reported stolen following a residential burglary out of Dunnellon in 2011.
In addition to drugs and weapons, detectives located and recovered $38,600 in cash.
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$38,600 in cash
According to reports, the marijuana plants were less than two (2) feet from the children’s bed in their bedroom. The heroin and cocaine was located within three (3) feet of an infant’s bassinet.
There were a total of four (4) children living inside the residence, whose ages ranged from infant to four (4) years old.
Eden was charged with Robbery by Sudden Snatching, Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon, Grand Theft of a Firearm, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Cruelty Toward a Child- Child Abuse (x4), Cultivation of Marijuana, Trafficking in Cocaine, Drugs Trafficking of other Controlled Substances, Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription (x4), and Use or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Eden is being held on a $151,000 bond.
He has previous charges for Flee and Elude Police, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Providing a False Name to a LEO, Battery, Driving While Licensed Revoked (x4), and Possession of Marijuana.
Thurow was charged with Resisting Arrest, Grand Theft of a Firearm, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Child Abuse (x4), Cultivation of Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription (x4), Trafficking in Cocaine, Trafficking in Opium, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
She is being held on $132,000 bond.
Thurow has previous arrests for Trafficking in Opium and Possession of Marijuana.
The Department of Children and Families was notified in this case.
Ocala, Florida — Police said Dayco, located at 3100 Southeast Maricamp Road, was evacuated late Wednesday morning after the daughter of an employee pulled a handgun and threatened to shoot.
At approximately 10:45 a.m., the Ocala Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call in reference to Lynnette Pierluissi, 22, pulling a handgun on her mother while she was at work.
The mother told police that her daughter came to her work to argue over a house. The mother stated that as she attempted to walk away from Pierluissi, the daughter pulled a silver revolver from her purse and stated, “Don’t make me shoot you.”
The mother then ran into the Dayco building and Pierluissi chased her.
That is when the mother called police. According to reports, it was at that time the daughter asked, “Why did you call the police?” The daughter then ran and hid in the bathroom.
When authorities arrived, they ordered everyone out of the building.
The mother told police that she believed her daughter was hiding in the women’s restroom.
When officers searched the women’s restroom, they found Pierluissi hiding, but she was not armed.
According to reports, officers searched the area and found a .38 caliber hiding in the ceiling tiles of the women’s restroom.
During questioning, Pierluissi denied threatening her mother. She also denied being in possession of a firearm.
She was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon/Firearm – Domestic Violence and Tampering with Evidence.
Marion County — Press Release — The Marion County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, June 16, adopted an ordinance that will address concerns related to noise and vibration control.
Following citizen input and workshops held on March 24, 2015, and May 19, 2015, the commission directed staff to schedule and prepare an amendment to Marion County Code Chapter 13, Noise and Vibration Control, typically referred to as the Marion County Noise Ordinance. The Board unanimously approved those changes following a public hearing during their regularly-scheduled meeting.
The amendments include adding the use of the “plainly audible” test and providing both code enforcement and law enforcement officers the ability to enforce, among others. “Plainly audible” means any sound that can be clearly heard by an officer using his normal hearing faculties without enhancement by any device, such as a microphone or hearing aid.
The County Commission said they had been receiving an increasing number of complaints from citizens in residential areas regarding noise disturbances, mostly related to loud music. Former sound measurement and enforcement procedures limited county code enforcement officers’ ability to provide relief to those.
“These are very positive changes for Code Enforcement officers, as well as law enforcement,” Marion County Growth Services Director Sam Martsolf said. “They will now have the tools needed to help citizens who are experiencing disturbances of their peace and quiet in residential areas across Marion County.”
A violation of section 13-910 shall be punished as provided in section 2-211 of the Marion County Code, as it may be amended.
A person who has been issued a citation shall be subject to a civil penalty.
Penalties are as follows:
For the first violation, a warning to eliminate or abate the violation within a reasonable time.
For the second violation, by a civil penalty of $100.00.
For third and subsequent violations, by a civil penalty of $500.00.
The City of Ocala has its own ordinance.
For Ocala, the penalties are as follows:
Punishable by a fine not exceeding $500.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 60 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each day any violation of any provision of this Code or of any ordinance shall continue shall constitute a separate offense.
Ocala Police Officers have been known to write citations for noise ordinance violations.
The changes to the Marion County Noise Ordinance make it easier for Marion County Sheriff’s deputies to enforce the ordinance as well.
Orlando, Florida — Wet ‘n Wild, America’s first water park, which opened in 1977 will permanently close on December 31, 2016.
Universal Studios purchased the water park in 2013.
Universal Orlando Resort Public Relations Vice President Tom Schroder wrote, “We’re grateful to our countless fans and team members for making Wet ‘n Wild such a special place for so very long.”
Even though Wet ‘n Wild was deemed the 10th-busiest park in 2014, Universal still made the decision to close it.
Universal said that, as of today, they have not decided on what to do with the 52-acres that Wet ‘n Wild sits on.
Volcano Bay – Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando
On May 28, Universal announced the construction of a new water park named Volcano Bay. Universal says it will completely redefine the water park experience.
Ocala, Florida — United Hands, Inc. has created FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA to address the growing need for dental, optical, and medical care to the indigent, homeless, and uninsured in America.
Their unpaid volunteers are motivated by their love of people and their passion to share their specific expertise with those who would not ordinarily be able to afford such care. With this in mind, FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA launched The Ocala Project and The Fort Worth Project for 2015.
FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA will be coming to Ocala on July 20 through July 24, 2015. Originally, July 24 was reserved for special projects; however, FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA told Ocala Post that they decided to open the date up for half a day. FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA did not want to disappoint anyone by having to turn someone away.
The new official schedule
July 20 – Monday – FREE Medical Care ONLY
NO PRE-REGISTRATION – FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVED
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
COLGATE Bright Smiles Children by appointment only – Registration Closed
July 21 – Tuesday – FREE Medical Care ONLY
NO PRE-REGISTRATION – FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVED
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
COLGATE Bright Smiles Children by appointment only – Registration Closed
July 22 – Wednesday – FreeD.O.M.
***Dental, Optical and Medical care available***
NO PRE-REGISTRATION – FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVED
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
July 23 – Thursday – FreeD.O.M.
***Dental, Optical and Medical care available***
NO PRE-REGISTRATION – FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVED
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
July 24 – Friday – FreeD.O.M. (half day) ***Dental, Optical and Medical care available***
NO PRE-REGISTRATION – FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVED
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
###
This event to help those in medical need will be held at the former Ocala Entertainment Complex, located at 1227 Southwest 17th Avenue, Ocala. For more information call 352-873-3540.
FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA is still in need of medical professional volunteers — active or retired. If you would like to volunteer your medical services for this event, click here.
Waldo — Despite five officers coming forward, hundreds of complaints from citizens, warnings from the American Automobile Association (AAA), and a book that ousted the Waldo Police Department; former Waldo Police Chief Mike Szabo has been cleared of any wrongdoing.
In addition to the officers coming forward, there were also dozens of damning e-mails proving the corruption.
However, the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) found that Szabo did not violate any of its standards.
Oddly enough, the police department was shutdown in October of 2014.
In a letter dated June 5 to Waldo City Manager Kim Worley, CJSTC Training and Research Manager R. Stacy Lehman wrote, “The decision is based upon the finding that insufficient grounds exist under the guidelines of Chapter 943.1395, Florida Statutes, to pursue any disciplinary action by the commission.”
In August, five Waldo Police Officers told the city council that they had been under strict orders to meet quotas for traffic tickets under the command of Szabo and Worley.
The officers also told the council about illegal tactics used to write tickets and how Szabo did not follow protocol and kept a cooler in his office filled with drugs that had been seized instead of keeping them properly locked in evidence.
“Anyone could have access to the cooler, even the cleaning crew,” Officer Brandon Roberts said.
Szabo was also accused of stealing city-owned video surveillance equipment to watch his personal apartment and frequently stealing hotel towels while on “city business.” This was something that many say Worley knew about, but turned her head.
Waldo police have also been accused of illegally coercing people into police searches of their vehicles, often times pulling motorists from their vehicles and cuffing them while their vehicles were searched.
Many motorists complained that Waldo police used the “I smell marijuana” tactic to illegally search their vehicle. However, in most cases, no marijuana was found.
When the Department was shutdown, State Attorney Bill Cervone said, “Shutting down the agency was the right thing to do in order to avoid further embarrassment to the town.”
Worley claimed that she didn’t know what was going on within the agency, but officers disagreed.
Officers say Worley assisted Szabo in his corruption and that Szabo’s orders came directly from Worley.
The officers that blew the whistle on the corruption in the small town said it was worth losing their jobs because it was the right thing to do. However, officers are extremely disappointed that Szabo will not face any charges, and that Worley was never investigated for her part in the corruption.
“It’s a slap in the face and CJSTC should be ashamed,” one officer wrote via e-mail.
Because CJSTC found no moral character violations on Szabo’s behalf, he will be able to keep his law enforcement certificate.
Florida statutes gives the CJSTC authority to discipline the certification of a law enforcement officer only if a moral character violation exists. Additionally, the CJSTC rule states that when the facts presented to Commission staff are inconclusive, lack reliability, are insufficient to permit a reasonable determination of what occurred, or fail to demonstrate that the alleged misconduct meets the statutory criteria for Commission action, Commission staff shall “no cause” the case.
Jonathan Toews celebrates by hoisting the Stanley Cup after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning by a score of 2-0 in Game Six to win the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the United Center on June 15, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The Chicago Blackhawks won their third Stanley Cup trophy in the last three years when they beat the Lightning 2-0 in last night’s Game 6 in Chicago. Tampa Bay did not lose three straight games all season but ended their Stanley Cup hopes after losing their final three games of the series. What was once a 2-1 series lead for the Lightning turned into a 4-2 series win for the Blackhawks. A Tampa Bay team that lead the league in goals per game at three only scored two goals in the final three games of the Stanley Cup while allowing the Blackhawks to score six.
Duncan Keith added to his Conn Smythe campaign as he broke the scoreless tie in the 2nd Period at 17:13. Patrick Kane scored his first goal of the Stanley Cup at 16:21 which sealed the game for the Blackhawks. Winning their third Cup in only six years solidified the Blackhawks as the next modern sports dynasty. Duncan Keith’s 715:37 minutes of playoff ice time and 21 postseason points won the defenseman the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP.
As always in hockey, when the playoffs end, the injuries that players dealt with over the course of the playoffs are announced. The mystery of the Ben Bishop situation was finally answered when Bishop announced after the game he suffered a torn groin during Game 2 of the series which was the cause of him leaving, entering, and leaving the game again. It was also announced that Tyler Johnson, the leading scorer of the playoffs with 13 goal and 10 assists, suffered a broken wrist earlier in the series which is why he was taken off faceoff duties during the series.
Tampa Bay is a young team with plenty of cap salary space and only two unrestricted free agents, so they will able to keep this young team together for the years to come.
Game Stars:
1st Star- Duncan Keith (Blackhawks– D) Goals: 1 Assists: 0
Summerfield, Florida — Deputies say a Summerfield man was arrested on a warrant after he physically assaulted two juveniles and a witness on June 9.
According to reports, Brandon R. Garinger, 21, became involved in a verbal altercation with his girlfriend in which he spat on her.
A juvenile victim, who was present at the time, told Garinger that he should not treat his girlfriend that way. Garinger then became enraged and punched the juvenile in the neck. The juvenile attempted to run, however, Garinger was able to catch up to her. Garinger then headbutted her in the face.
A second juvenile had exited her house and witnessed Garinger chase the first juvenile into a neighbor’s yard and headbutt her.
According to reports, when Garinger chased the victim into the neighbor’s yard, a man exited his home and tried to break up the fight. Garinger then punched the man in the face, at which time the man punched him back.
When Garinger continued to engage, the man pulled out a knife and told Garinger that he would be stabbed if he did not leave. When Garinger continued to approach the man, the second juvenile who had exited her house pulled out a cell phone and pretended to record the incident.
Deputies reported that Garinger then slapped her across the face with an open hand.
Garinger then pulled out his penis, shook it at the man with a knife, and told him to “suck it.”
Garinger fled the scene before deputies could arrive, however, he was tracked down and arrested on June 14.
Garinger’s girlfriend stated that her boyfriend had only spat “toward” her, but nothing got on her.
Garinger, who was on probation for previous offences, was charged with Violation of Probation (x3), Simple Battery, and Child Abuse-Cruelty Toward a Child (x2).
Ziek [Photo courtesy of Madelyn Parker]Sparr, Florida — A family is grieving after the tragic loss of one of their two dogs.
Madelyn Parker, of Sparr, said the last few days have been very traumatic for her family after they found that their pet dog, Ziek, had been shot dead.
It has been especially devastating for her 5-year-old son, Easton.
Parker said that she and her fiancé had returned home from dinner on Friday and found that Ziek, a chow/shepherd mix, was not in the yard with their other dog, Colt.
Parker said that Ziek never left the yard, but because he was extremely friendly and loved car rides, he would go to anyone if called.
“I found it very odd that our dog did not come running when we called him, as he usually does,” Parker wrote in an e-mail.
Parker also said that she believes Ziek was taken, but cannot be 100 percent positive. “He was very clingy and loved to be inside, or right with us when we were home… something just isn’t right,” Parker said.
The family searched and called-out for Ziek Friday night, but they could not locate him.
Then, Saturday morning, Parker’s mother found Ziek’s body on the railroad tracks near the 13800 block of Northeast Jacksonville Road.
Ziek had suffered a single, fatal gunshot wound to the head.
Parker called the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to file a report. However, MCSO only filed an incident detail report, which is basically just a log of Parker’s phone call. Parker said that her family was told nothing could be done since there were no witnesses.
According to Parker, Ziek had been shot just prior to the family finding him because his body was still warm and limp. She also said blood was still leaking from the gunshot wound.
“Ziek was collared and chipped. Someone could have easily called the number on the collar and let me know where he was. Instead, I had to bury my 10-year-old dog, who we have had since he was a puppy.” She added, “And I had to explain to my 5-year-old son why his best friend is gone.”
Parker said that Ziek slept in her son’s room every night and they played together every day.
“Ziek loved to fetch and play, so you can imagine how much my son loved him,” Parker said. “We have placed flyers all over this side of town, and we also have a 4 foot banner we will be hanging at the scene. I will not give up trying to find who did this.”
Parker said, “I want people to know that there is someone out there who is capable of harming family pets for no reason. Our dog did not have a mean bone in his body and his killing was senseless.”
If anyone in the area has experienced or experiences a similar situation, you are asked to come forward and file a report.
Neighbors say this is not the only time a pet has disappeared and been found shot to death.
If you have any information about this case, please call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111, Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP, text a tip to 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Dr. Asad Qamar Institute for Cardiovascular Excellence PLLC (ICE)
[Last updated on June 18, 2015, at 12:44 p.m.]
Ocala, Florida — Florida cardiologist Dr. Asad Qamar could be forced to close the doors to his physician group, the Institute for Cardiovascular Excellence PLLC (ICE), following the suspension of the group’s Medicare reimbursements in March.
In January, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began proceedings to have Qamar’s reimbursements suspended.
Federal documents outlining the suspension were only released this week.
In a letter to Qamar, Theresa Dampier, CMS Program Integrity Manager, wrote, “The suspension for your Medicare payments is based on ‘credible allegations of fraud,’ which is defined as ‘an allegation from any source,’ including but not limited to ‘fraud hotline complaints and patterns identified through provider audits, civil false claims cases, and law enforcement investigations.'”
Qamar is accused of billing for excessive hours, performing unnecessary procedures, failure to submit required supporting documentation for testing and procedures, lack of documentation explaining excessive hours, and failure to provide documentation proving that a procedure was medically necessary.
“Performing medically unnecessary procedures puts patients at risk and contributes to the soaring costs of health care,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Joyce R. Branda for the Justice Department’s Civil Division.
Dr. Qamar performed an unusually high number of procedures on vessels outside the heart. According to records, a patient who actually needed treatment for a blockage in her heart had a stent put in one leg and was scheduled for a similar procedure in the other leg. She never made it to her appointment for the second stent. She died from complications directly related to the first stent.
According to documents provided by CMS, in 2012, Qamar received $18.2 million in Medicare reimbursements. Making him the second-highest paid physician by Medicare for that year. He received $16.03 million from Medicare in 2013.
On March 31, Qamar’s attorney, Tracy Mabry, responded to the suspension by writing, “Regardless of the allegations, until proven, they are just allegations.”
Mabry believes that the government “jumped the gun,” and suspended Medicare reimbursements to Qamar prematurely.
Mabry wrote, “The current suspension action will soon make any such discussion moot, as the Medicare program is placing ICE in immediate jeopardy of closing its doors and discontinuing to serve its 24,000 patients.”
After making several public records requests, Ocala Post discovered that Qamar has been under investigation for quite some time.
In 2010, a consultant who had been assigned to review Medicare billings for Qamar became aware that the group routinely waived Medicare co-payments, and in return, patients would not ask questions about procedures or high billing costs. The consultant wrote, “Dr. Qamar and the group billed for an “unrealistically high percentage of expensive procedures.”
Three weeks ago, Ocala Post received a news tip that suggested Qamar had also made illegal donations to the Democratic National Committee. The donations were for substantial amounts.
According to reports, Qamar, who is a Republican, had asked his contacts in Congress to help with a federal review of his Medicare payments.
The Democratic National Committee would no longer accept donations from Qamar after word got out about the federal review. However, Qamar was desperate to maintain his political relationship with powerful politicians in Washington and found a way to send grossly large donations to the Democratic Committee.
How you ask? He used his children as political pawns. You read that correctly: Qamar made donations in the names of two of his children. At the time, his son was only 16 years old.
According to the Federal Elections Commission, Qamar donated over $32,000 to the committee in his daughter’s name. Then, using his 16-year-old son’s name, Qamar donated another $32,000.
In 18 months, Qamar donated $75,000 just in his daughter’s name alone. According to sources, most of the money went to the Democratic Party and the Obama Victory Fund.
The Democratic Party unquestioningly accepted the donations and said that the committee had done so legitimately and legally.
However, a donation made in a child’s name is required by law to come from an account owned and controlled by the child.
Qamar could not prove that the bank accounts were in his children’s names.
In fact, when the Democratic Party was asked to provide copies of the cancelled checks to prove the donations were legal, suddenly, the Democratic Party had a change of heart and returned all of Qamar’s money. Thus, they avoided an investigation.
In one instance, Qamar donated $75,000 to a group tied to President Obama. With the donation, Qamar stated that he hoped to become an ambassador for Obamacare.”
In January 2013, Qamar attended a pre-inaugural party and personally handed an envelope to Obama.
Qamar also sent out numerous letters to Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and members of Congress on relevant subcommittees.
Qamar said he had become involved in Obama’s policies partly so that he would have an opportunity to make the case that medical practices like his are suffering because contractors conducting the reviews for the HHS were slow and unnecessary.
The letters complained about the lengthy review of the billing practices led by the Department of Health and Human Services. In the letters, Qamar insisted that the reviews unnecessarily delay payments and that they threatened to put him out of business. Qamar wanted the law to be changed.
An activist, who would only speak to Ocala Post if her name was kept confidential out of fear of political retribution, said Qamar was attempting to pay off politicians to make the investigation disappear. She said, “If a man is willing to break the law and go to such great lengths to make an investigation disappear, why would anyone believe he has not committed Medicare fraud?”
“I have attended political events and witnessed Qamar hand envelopes to very powerful people,” she said. “I cannot say what was in the envelopes, but one does not attend these types of events to deliver letters.”
Through Ocala Post’s investigation, it was learned that many individuals were not willing to talk about Qamar or his donations. Many refused to speak because of the upcoming election.
It became very clear that many politicians have no morals and are not willing to do the right thing. Getting re-elected appears to be more important. And because government e-mails are public record, many refused to communicate at all via e-mail.
However, White House officials would say that, in 2013, Qamar did give off the impression that he was attempting to pay large amounts of money to “make the investigation disappear.”
Once White House staff members realized Qamar’s actions would be publicly known, politicians cut ties with Qamar, effectively stripping his chances at becoming the ambassador for Obamacare.
In total, Qamar donated approximately $450,000.
As for the current investigation, CMS says that the allegations are very credible; therefore, the suspension has been imposed on all of ICE’s health care professionals.
The suspension was placed on all of ICE’s healthcare professionals due to the enormousness of the alleged fraud. However, CMS has not yet put a dollar amount on the fraud.
During this investigation, Ocala Post inadvertently uncovered other fraud being committed by doctors within Marion County. Stay tuned for those details.
UPDATE
Some of the physicians within ICE’s physician group might have been reinstated after this article was published. If a patient would like to know if their doctor has been reinstated, call the Physician Services at CMS-Medicare and Medicaid Department at 404-562-3808.
Florida —This week, several media outlets published stories that contained inaccuracies about the safety of Florida’s beach water related to cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections.
Vibrio vulnificus is a potentially deadly bacteria. While it can destroy tissue, officials said it is not a flesh-eating disease, as some media outlets have stated.
Annually, the Florida Department of Health issues a release to remind Floridians of ways to protect themselves and minimize exposure to the naturally occurring bacterium found in warm, salt and brackish seawater.
In 2015, the department has reported eight cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections, which include two deaths. Areas of reported cases of Vibrio vulnificus in 2015 include, Marion (fatal), Brevard (fatal), Brevard (2), Duval, Pasco, Santa Rosa, and St. Lucie counties.
According to the Department, Vibrio vulnificus infections are rare.
Friday, the Department of Health and the CDC, provided Ocala Post with some important facts about Vibrio vulnificus.
The bacterium does not pose a risk to a normal healthy person who does not have open cuts, scratches, blisters, or other types of open wounds. Therefore, it is safe for a healthy person to swim in Florida’s coastal waters.
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium in the same family as those that cause cholera and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. It normally lives in warm seawater and is part of a group of vibrios that are called “halophilic” because they require salt.
According to the CDC, the bacteria could cause gastroenteritis and in rare cases it can lead to septicemia, or an infection of the blood. If the bacteria infects the body through an open wound, the injury can become necrotic and amputations may become necessary to save a person’s life.
Vulnificus can cause disease in those who eat contaminated seafood or have an open wound that is exposed to seawater. Among healthy people, ingestion of vulnificus can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
In immunocompromised persons, particularly those with chronic liver disease, vulnificus can infect the bloodstream, causing a severe and life-threatening illness characterized by fever and chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock), and blistering skin lesions. Vulnificusbloodstream infections are fatal about 50% of the time.
Vulnificus can cause an infection of the skin when open wounds are exposed to warm seawater; these infections may lead to skin breakdown and ulceration. Persons who are immunocompromised are at higher risk for invasion of the organism into the bloodstream and potentially fatal complications.
Although oysters can be harvested legally only from waters free from fecal contamination, even legally harvested oysters can be contaminated with vulnificus because the bacterium is naturally present in marine environments. Vulnificus does not alter the appearance, taste, or odor of oysters.
Florida’s beaches and water are safe to enjoy responsibly—risk of infection is minimal if you take proper precautions.
Avoid exposing open wounds to warm saltwater, brackish water or to raw shellfish
Wear protective clothing when handling raw shellfish
Cook shellfish thoroughly and avoid food contamination with juices from raw seafood
Eat shellfish promptly after cooking and refrigerate leftovers
Timely, voluntary reporting of vulnificus infections to CDC and to regional offices of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will help collaborative efforts to improve investigation of these infections. Regional FDA specialists with expert knowledge about shellfish assist state officials with tracebacks of shellfish and, when notified rapidly about cases, arez able to sample harvest waters to discover possible sources of infection and to close oyster beds when problems are identified. Ongoing research may help us to predict environmental or other factors that increase the chance that oysters carry pathogens.
Individuals who are immunocompromised, e.g chronic liver disease, kidney disease, or weakened immune system, should wear proper foot protection to prevent cuts and injury caused by rocks and shells on the beach.
The Florida Department of Health said that there is not cause for panic.
Oclala, Florida — Motorists will continue to experience temporary, intermittent lane closures at the intersection of Northeast 36th Avenue and Northeast 35th Street from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through June 26, during weekdays only, due to a water main extension.
Crews will place barricades and signage to direct traffic through the work zone. Travelers should expect delays and use alternate routes when possible. Adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances may affect the work schedule. For more information, contact the Office of the County Engineer at 352-671-8686.
MCFR engine 10 crew extinguish a vehicle fire. [MCFR]Ocala, Florida — A report recently issued by the Florida Association of Counties (FAC), claimed that Marion County is among the top Florida counties when it comes to funding fire rescue and emergency medical services.
The findings were released on June 3 as an alleged compilation of fire control and EMS expenditures and rankings for each Florida county for the fiscal year ending in 2013.
The report, which was provided to the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, stated the following as fact:
– Marion County ranked third among all other Florida counties for fire control and EMS expenditures as a percentage of the total county expenses in FY 2012-13.
– Marion County ranked 11th for total fire and EMS expenses that year (approximately $49 million).
– Marion County ranked 14th for total fire and EMS expenses per capita, at $145.45 per each Marion County resident.
“These results are directly related to the hard work of our Marion County Fire Rescue crews and staff, as well as of senior leadership, to continue providing the best possible fire rescue and EMS services our tax base can support,” said Commissioner McClain. “In that same spirit, we will hold our budget workshops this summer to address our financial challenges and prioritize these services into the future.”
However, after reviewing the data used in this report, Ocala Post found that there were significant issues with the dataset for this study. So much so, that the incorrect data effectively voids the results of the study.
When looking at per capita spending, Marion County appears to spend much more than other counties. This per capita number was derived from taking the total amount of dollars spent on a county fire department, or at least what was deemed a county fire department, and dividing by the total population of the county.
However, this does not appropriately calculate true per capita spending, as city fire departments separate EMS agencies, and fire and EMS control districts are not included in the study.
For example, Manatee County, according to the study, ranks 57 out 67 counties and allegedly only spends $14.7 million annually on fire and EMS expenses with a population of 333,880. The study claimed that this county spends $44.25 per person.
The study leads one to believe that a county with a similar size and population, such as Marion County, would be able to provide fire protection and emergency medical transport for around the same or possibly lower cost. But a closer look at the fine print told a different story.
At the bottom of page two of the study was a footnote that read, “Manatee County has multiple independent fire districts. The number reported corresponds to the Myakka City Fire Department which is the only dependent fire district in the county.” In other words, the data provided for Manatee County was only based on the budget of Myakka City Fire Department, which is $2.1 million.
Additionally, there was another footnote that read, “Sub-Total amounts for EMS expenditures or Fire Control expenditures, as well as the distribution of these reported expenditures for some counties may be skewed due to internal reporting and/or accounting practices.” This statement alone could lead a reasonable person to conclude that data calculated with the figures obtained from those agencies would be false.
The actual numbers for Manatee County are as follows:
Bradenton Fire Rescue ($8.6 million)
Longboat Key Fire Rescue ($6.18 million)
Cedar Hammock Fire Department ($12.7 million)
East Manatee Fire District ($27 million)
West Manatee Fire District ($5.9 million)
Southern Manatee Fire Rescue ($15.8 million)
Myakka City Fire District ($2.1 million)
North River Fire Department ($8.3 million)
Parish Fire Department ($1.3 million)
Sarasota-Bradenton Airport Authority
Trailer Estates Fire Department ($84,032)
For the study to base per capita spending for an entire county on one fire district, which does not serve the other 320,000 people in the county, is deceitful.
Ryan O’Reilly, PR director for the Professional Firefighters of Marion County said, “[There are many] examples of this type of false, misleading data in most of the counties ranked by the FAC in terms of spending.”
In fact, Ocala Post found that the study was plagued with inaccuracies very similar to the budget figures reported for Manatee County.
The study didn’t even include all 20 Pinellas County agencies that provide fire and emergency medical services to Pinellas County citizens, which lead to inaccurate comparisons for Marion county; making the data misleading to taxpayers. Additionally, the counties that Marion County were compared to in terms of spending, were significantly smaller in population, and 49 percent of the counties have a population smaller than the Marion County Fire Rescue call volume.
“We are hopeful that the BOCC will not be swayed by incorrect data,” O’Reilly said. “It is certainly our hope that commissioners choose to adequately fund MCFR so that they can retain the experienced firefighters, paramedics, and EMT’s who serve Marion County.”
O’Reilly said that failure to adequately increase revenue would lead to a reduction in service.
“The men and women who dedicate their lives to the citizens of Marion County deserve to know that they have a future in this department and, that they can raise their families on the money they earn and eventually be able to retire after a lifetime dedicated to serving and protecting the people of this community,” O’Reilly said.
Fathers’ Day is upon us and like Mothers’ Day, it brings to mind the importance of parents and especially fathers and fathering.
I’m fortunate to be a Father, Grandfather and no less important, a Guardian ad Litem who advocates for and befriends children who have been removed from their parents due to abuse, neglect or abandonment.
Imagine the feelings of a child who has lost his or her parents because of court action. They ask, “Why are Mommy and Daddy not here?” or “Why did Daddy hurt Mommy and go to jail?” And, “When can I go home again?”
The absence of Fathers is a major contributor to poverty in single parent households and poverty has been directly linked to an increased incidence of child maltreatment. While this is absolutely tragic, what is equally devastating is the fact these boys and girls are growing up with no positive male role models. They have no one to show them how a gentlemen responds to frustration and anger or displays love and affection. They haven’t experienced a dependable man, one who keeps his word, shows up when he says he will and takes pride in cuddling his baby, shopping with his daughter or attending his son’s baseball game.
As Guardians ad Litem, we advocate for the children assigned to us. We make recommendations to the court presiding over their cases. We visit them in their foster homes and group homes. We go to their schools, arrange counseling and tutoring as needed, and seize each and every opportunity to praise their achievements and successes. We’re there when we’re needed most.
A Guardian ad Litem cannot and is not intended to replace a parent. We’re there to make sure “our” children are safe and protected and either reunited with their parents or provided a stable, loving home.
Being a Guardian ad Litem is kind of like being a parent. It’s hard, time-consuming and probably one of the most important things we’ll ever do. It’s also one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. For more information about the Guardian ad Litem Program and how to apply to join the next training class, contact Diana Hollwedel at 352-812-06971 or email her at Diana.Hollwedel@gal.fl.gov or visit www.guardianadlitem5.org.
Anton Stralman, left, and Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning watch a shot by Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks cross the line Wednesday night in the second period of Game Four of the Stanley Cup Finals in Chicago Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
The Chicago Blackhawks were able to beat a Tampa Bay Lightning team without their star goaltender Ben Bishop. Due to an undisclosed injury to Bishop, the Lightning were forced to start 20-year-old rookie goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. Vasilevskiy made an appearance in Game 2 where he ended up getting the victory. Vasilevskiy played very well in net, only allowing two goals on 19 shots he faced. Vasilevskiy was out-dueled by the opposing Blackhawks’ goaltender Corey Crawford who stopped 24 of the 25 shots he faced.
Tampa Bay supported Vasilevskiy well defensively holding the Blackhawks to a playoff low two shots on goal in the first period. Jonathan Toews opened up the scoring in the second period but Tampa Bay answered when Alex Killorn scored little over five minutes after Toews scored. Despite only allowing the Blackhawks to have five shots on goal, Brandon Saad gave Chicago the lead for good when he scored five-hole on Vasilevskiy at the 6:22 mark in the third period.
Tampa Bay was able to get a flurry of shots on goal against Crawford in the closing minutes of the game but Crawford stood tall and stopped every shot from getting in the net to give Chicago the win and even up the Stanley Cup series at 2-2.
Ben Bishop is now officially listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. It is still unknown as to whether or not Bishop will be ready to go for Game 5 but if he isn’t Vasilevskiy will get the start in net again for Tampa Bay.
Game 5 will be played in Tampa Bay at Amalie Arena on Saturday at 8 PM.
Marion County, Florida – On Thursday morning, Marion County Utilities rescinded the precautionary boil water notice for customers in the communities of Majestic Oaks, Bent Tree, Jasmine Park, Harvest Meadows, Boyd, and Pidgeon Park. The water was determined safe to drink, following the standard bacteriological survey. Residents in these areas are being notified by door hanger and/or phone call. Customers with questions should call Utilities’ customer service line at 352-307-6000.
