Overview
- The federal jury in Fort Lauderdale found Christian “Chris” Cruz guilty on nine counts tied to a scheme that shipped unnecessary orthotic braces to Medicare beneficiaries nationwide.
- Cruz faces a maximum of 125 years in prison after convictions for conspiracy, health care fraud, making false statements related to health care matters, and structuring.
- Prosecutors said Cruz used paid marketers, telemarketing call centers and telemedicine to obtain signed doctors’ orders, including orders for patients who did not request or need braces.
- Court records show Brace Yourself MD submitted $11.4 million in Medicare claims from 2020 to 2024 and received about $3.7 million, with funds moved into personal accounts.
- Investigators detailed repeated cash withdrawals under $10,000 and said Cruz concealed a co-owner relationship with Jorge Luis Almansa, a convicted felon who has been charged and remains at large; the FBI and HHS-OIG led the probe.