Five former NFL players were sentenced to prison and house arrest for their involvement in a health care fraud case that totaled about $4 million. Correll Buckhalter, Anthony Montgomery, Darrell Reid, Fredrick Bennett and Robert McCune pleaded guilty earlier this year to filing fraudulent out-of-pocket reimbursement claims to the NFL’s Player Health Reimbursement Account Plan.
According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, “The scheme was primarily orchestrated by former NFL player Robert McCune, who recruited others to join him in the operation. McCune and others submitted fraudulent claims for medical care or equipment that they didn’t pay for or receive.” McCune pleaded guilty to a total of 13 counts of health care fraud, 11 counts of wire fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft. He faces sentencing later this month; which could be up to life in prison given the numerous counts for each crime.
Buckhalder, who led another similar scheme, has been ordered to pay $927,362 in restitution as well as 10 months in prison followed by 10 months of house arrest and three years probation.
The other three players walked away with lower sentences because the court found that they did not actively try to recruit players to the scheme. Montgomery, and Reid have been ordered to each pay a portion of $47,225 in restitution. Bennett is responsible for paying a portion of $39,025 to be split with McCune, who had recruited him into the ring.
These convictions are only a handful of 15 other NFL players that have pleaded guilty in the health care fraud case. Nine have been sentenced so far, so we will continue to monitor the other cases as the news breaks.
