Houston Man Convicted For Role In $1.3 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme

HOUSTON, TX — A 56-year-old Houston man was convicted yesterday by a federal jury here after being charged with conspiracy and fraud.

Rex Duruji, who will be sentenced on May 8, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to pay healthcare kickbacks, one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, and one count of healthcare fraud following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt of the Southern District of Texas.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Duruji, who did not have a license to practice medicine in Texas, posed as a physician and convinced individuals to file fraudulent claims for home healthcare services. Duruji gave kickbacks to the individuals, and, according to evidence presented at the trial, received approximately $1.3 million in false and fraudulent claims.

Duruji engaged in the scheme from January 2012 until May 2015.

— Image courtesy U.S. Department of Justice