A federal jury in Tampa convicted Sophie Dufort, a 57‑year‑old owner of a durable medical equipment (DME) company based in Gainesville, on multiple fraud counts after a six‑month trial revealed an $8.6 million scheme that preyed on seniors and disabled Floridians.
How the scheme operated
According to the prosecution, Dufort conspired with 70‑year‑old Paula Pirone of Ocala and several other participants to submit bogus Medicare claims for orthotic braces. The group purchased patient leads and forged doctor orders from telemarketing firms that specifically targeted elderly individuals. Recordings presented at trial showed callers whose voices did not match the alleged patients, and a co‑conspirator admitted that some calls were fabricated overseas to justify the fraudulent orders.
Marketing firms involved either bribed physicians to sign off on equipment without ever seeing the patients or outright stole doctors’ credentials to create false paperwork. Those fraudulent orders were then sold to companies owned or controlled by Dufort.
Unneeded equipment shipped nationwide
Dufort’s companies mailed the unnecessary braces to recipients across the country and billed Medicare for the full cost. Trial testimony confirmed that none of the patients were examined before the braces were shipped. A medical expert warned that wearing such unneeded brace combinations could be “very dangerous” for elderly patients, potentially causing injury or reduced mobility.
When recipients called to complain or attempted to return the packages, company staff allegedly told them to “just get rid of them” or to pass the items on to someone else, thereby avoiding refunds to Medicare.
Charges and potential penalties
The jury found Dufort guilty of conspiracy to commit health‑care fraud and wire fraud, two counts of health‑care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and two counts of illegal kickbacks. She faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the top conspiracy charge, up to 10 years for each health‑care fraud and kickback count, and up to five years for the conspiracy to defraud the United States. A sentencing hearing is set for January 2027.
Federal officials comment
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe of the Middle District of Florida, who announced the verdict, emphasized that the case demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting seniors from predatory schemes that drain Medicare resources. Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division added that the fraud not only harmed vulnerable patients but also threatened the integrity of the nation’s health‑care system.
The investigation was led by the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, with prosecution handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Hamilton and trial attorney Jody King.
Impact on the community
This conviction sends a clear message to other DME providers that exploiting Medicare and vulnerable Floridians will not be tolerated. Seniors and families are urged to remain vigilant, verify the legitimacy of any medical equipment offers, and report suspicious billing practices to the Medicare Fraud Hotline.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
