MA Man Pleads Guilty To Fraud Scheme, Used Money For House Down Payment On House

WORCESTER, MA — A Worcester man pleaded guilty to a widespread MassHealth fraud scheme, according to the Massachusetts Attorney General.

Felix Mercedez, 35, orchestrated the scheme that involved stealing personal information from disabled, elderly and unhoused individuals to bill for false home health services. He and co-conspirators billed over $500,000 for services that were never provided, according to the AG.

The group used the money for personal expenses, including travel, lifestyle, jewelry and luxury items from Gucci and Coach. They also used it for a down payment on a house in Worcester.

Mercedes was sentenced to one to three years in state prison, five years of probation and ordered to pay $500,000 to the state.

“MassHealth serves our most vulnerable residents, including our seniors, ensuring they have access to high-quality home healthcare services,” said AG Andrea Joy Campbell. “As in this case and future matters, our Medicaid Fraud Division will continue to protect these taxpayer-funded programs and hold accountable those who intentionally seek to defraud our seniors and the MassHealth program.”

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