Attorney General Bondi's Weekly Briefing
In 1782, the bald eagle was named the national bird of our United States, and this week, I had the great honor of releasing a rehabilitated bald eagle back into the wild. The female bald eagle was struck by a car in Orange County and left for dead on the side of the road, but thanks to tremendous efforts by the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, the injured eagle made a speedy recovery. The bald eagle is a symbol of our nation's strength and the liberties we enjoy every day as Americans. The largest threat to our national bird is the destruction of its habitat, and I am working with my fellow Cabinet members to ensure these eagles enjoy an environment where they can flourish. At the most recent meeting of the Governor and Florida Cabinet, we approved a list of 70 agricultural lands to be part of the state's Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Through conservation easements, this program not only protects Florida's landscape, but also protects our state's wildlife habitat and other natural resources. To watch the release of the Audubon Center of Birds of Prey's 525th rehabilitated bald eagle, click here. In closing, this week, I want to thank Governor Rick Scott for his support of testing unprocessed sexual assault kits in Florida. Governor Scott is proposing $8.5 million in funding to enhance Florida's crime laboratories. Sexual assault is a horrific crime that has profound effects on its victims and processing these kits will unbind key DNA evidence linked to unsolved crimes in Florida and beyond. I look forward to working with Governor Scott, the state Legislature, law enforcement and victims' advocates to resolve this critical matter. |
Protecting Floridians
 Four Men Arrested in Commercial Burglary Ring Bust and Two Still Wanted
Attorney General Pam Bondi's Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested four men in connection to a ring of commercial burglaries in the Tampa and Miami areas. According to the investigation, the defendants not only burglarized multiple businesses, but also stole vehicles to help carry out the crimes. In one instance, the defendants allegedly smashed through a wall of a Tampa business warehouse and stole approximately $300,000 worth of surveillance equipment. According to the investigation, the defendants then loaded the equipment into two stolen vehicles and travelled from the crime scene to Miami. In a similar incident, the defendants allegedly burglarized a battery store in Doral by breaking through the business's wall with a sledge hammer, stealing cases of Kodak Max batteries and loading the stolen property into a van parked outside. More.
 Doctor Claiming to Remove Foreign Objects From Patients' Bodies Arrested for Medicaid Fraud
Attorney General Pam Bondi's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit arrested a Miami doctor, Roberto Fernandez, 49, for defrauding the Medicaid program out of more than $17,000. For more than two years, Fernandez, owner of Latin Foundation for Health, Inc., allegedly billed for medical procedures that were never performed.
According to the investigation, Fernandez billed for multiple unusual and specific procedures recipients stated they never received. Fernandez allegedly falsely billed for removing foreign objects from at least 19 patients' noses or eyes. More.
 Attorney General Pam Bondi Offers Tips in Recognition of International Fraud Awareness Week
In recognition of International Fraud Awareness Week, Attorney General Pam Bondi is urging Florida businesses and consumers to take steps to protect themselves from fraud and providing tips on how to avoid falling victim.
"As the online marketplace continues to expand, it is important consumers always research businesses and educate themselves prior to making any transaction," said Attorney General Bondi. "Fraud is a serious problem and can turn a consumer's life upside down. There are steps businesses and consumers can take to safeguard against fraudulent practices." More.
Settlement Secures $6.5 Million in Student Loan Forgiveness for Florida Students  Attorney General Pam Bondi announced an unprecedented global settlement with Education Management Corporation to resolve a whistleblower lawsuit alleging the company violated federal and state law by submitting fraudulent claims. Florida was one of five states, along with the United States, that actively litigated the lawsuit. As part of a separate settlement, Florida also joined 40 other state attorneys general and the District of Columbia in resolving a consumer fraud investigation into EDMC's deceptive and misleading recruiting and enrollment practices.
As part of the agreement, EDMC is required to significantly reform its recruiting and enrollment practices, and forgive more than $6.5 million in loans for more than 4,500 former students in Florida. Nationwide, the agreement requires EDMC to forgive more than $100 million in outstanding loan debt held by more than 80,000 former students. The students receiving the relief incurred debt even though they enrolled at EDMC without obtaining significant college experience. More.
Duval County Pediatric Dentist Arrested for Medicaid Fraud
Attorney General Pam Bondi's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of former pediatric dentist, Dr. Howard S. Schneider, 78, for defrauding the Florida Medicaid program.
The MFCU's investigation revealed that Schneider, the sole owner of Howard S. Schneider, D.D.S. P.A., defrauded Florida Medicaid by submitting claims for dental procedures he performed without parental consent. The procedures allegedly fell below the standard of care and produced unauthorized claims submitted to the Medicaid program for reimbursement. More.
Suspect Wanted for Debit Card Fraud
Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Marymateisha Sanders, 35, 2212 Eiffel Drive, Orlando, Fla., on charges of organized fraud, and five counts of fraudulent use of personal identification information. Suspect Deneisha Rhynes, 22, 5254 N. Orange Blossom Trail, #201, Orlando, Fla., remains at large on charges of organized fraud and fraudulent use of personal identification information.
Sanders was arrested in Orlando on Friday but Rhynes remains at large. If you have information about the whereabouts of Deneisha Rhynes, please contact FDLE Orlando at 800-226-8521 or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.
Attorney General Pam Bondi's Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute the case. More.
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