Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of at least 30 years in prison and an order to pay $207.4 million in restitution to Medicare and Medicaid for convicted long-term care business mogul Philip Esformes.
The request was filed by prosecutors earlier this week in the U.S. Southern District of Florida, Law360 reported. Prosecutors urged the court to hold Esformes “accountable for the crimes he committed,” saying his attempt to “buy justice” showed no respect for the law.
“Esformes did more than steal taxpayer dollars to fund a lavish lifestyle. He tried to buy justice, in United States District Courts, and in every sphere. This court’s sentence must reflect the fact that judicial and regulatory systems mean nothing to Esformes. It is time for Philip Esformes to be held accountable for the crimes he committed, and for others in this district and elsewhere to know that fraud, bribery, and disrespect for the law will not be tolerated,” prosecutors wrote.
Esformes is awaiting sentencing after being found guilty on 20 charges, which included paying and receiving kickbacks, money laundering and conspiracy to commit federal program bribery. The charges stem from a record $1.3 billion fraud scheme that Esformes ran through this network of nursing homes.
Prosecutors have also requested a $38.7 million forfeiture judgement against Esformes. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. today in Miami.
