Queens Pharmacy Owner Charged in $31 Million Medicaid Fraud Scheme
The owner of two Jackson Heights pharmacies is accused of defrauding Medicaid through a drug-buyback scheme involving HIV prescriptions, the Attorney General's office announced.
The owner of two Jackson Heights pharmacies is accused of defrauding Medicaid through a drug-buyback scheme involving HIV prescriptions, the Attorney General's office announced.
· Updated
Miguel Baron, owner of Guardiola Pharmacy and Baron Specialty Pharmacy, has been arrested and charged with defrauding Medicaid of an estimated $31 million. The scheme allegedly involved prescribing HIV medications to Medicaid patients and then either buying the pills back from them to re-prescribe or filling prescriptions with cheaper, black market drugs.
Baron faces 24 charges, including grand larceny, healthcare fraud, and money laundering. An indictment was filed in Queens in September and unsealed on Wednesday. The Attorney General's office is also pursuing civil asset forfeiture to seize property allegedly purchased with stolen Medicaid funds, seeking over $95 million in damages.
Authorities reported that Baron laundered the illicit funds through shell companies used for construction projects, Miami condos, luxury cars, and World Cup tickets. He was arrested at LaGuardia Airport in June while reportedly attempting to flee the country.
FAQ
What pharmacies are involved in the alleged fraud?
The pharmacies involved are Guardiola Pharmacy and Baron Specialty Pharmacy, both located in Jackson Heights, Queens.
What were the alleged methods used in the fraud scheme?
The owner allegedly prescribed HIV medications and then bought them back from patients for re-prescription or substituted them with cheaper black market drugs.
