U.S. Attorney Jaime E. Esparza | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Jaime E. Esparza | U.S. Department of Justice
An El Paso woman has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for her involvement in a healthcare fraud scheme amounting to $1.7 million. Edelmira Marquez, 59, was convicted of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud as the owner of Marquez Medical Supply, a durable medical equipment company.
Court documents revealed that Marquez engaged in fraudulent billing practices by providing Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries with lesser-valued items while billing for more expensive ones. The scheme primarily involved continence supplies such as adult diapers, wipes, and bed liners.
Marquez appeared in court on December 21, 2023, made her initial appearance on January 19, 2024, and was released on bond. She pleaded guilty to the charge on March 7. Upon sentencing, she was taken into federal custody. Besides her prison term, Marquez received a $20,000 fine and must pay $1,739,608.59 in restitution to Medicaid.
The announcement came from U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. The case was investigated by the FBI and the Texas Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Kanof.
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