A former NFL player who owned two clinical laboratories in Texas has been convicted for his role in a $328 million Medicare fraud scheme, the Department of Justice has announced.
A federal jury in Dallas found Keith Gray guilty of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks, five counts of violating the Anti-Kickback Statute and three counts of money laundering. The 39-year-old faces up to 10 years prison time on each count and will be sentenced at a later date.
According to the DOJ press release, Gray orchestrated ‘a scheme to bill Medicare for medically unnecessary genetic tests designed to evaluate the risk of various cardiovascular diseases and conditions.’
Gray allegedly offered ‘kickbacks to marketers in exchange for their referral of Medicare beneficiaries’ DNA samples, personally identifiable information (including Medicare numbers) and signed test orders from medical providers authorizing the medically unnecessary genetic tests,’ according to prosecutors.
In total, Gray billed Medicare $328 million while taking in a $54 million profit. Prosecutors say Gray laundered the profits, in part, by buying a $142,000 Dodge Ram and a Mercedes-Benz SUV worth around $145,000.
A mathematics and actuarial science major at the UConn, Gray was a standout offensive lineman for the Huskies before signing with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent
Zach Frazer #10 of the Connecticut Huskies stands under center Keith Gray in 2008
A mathematics and actuarial science major at the University of Connecticut, Gray was a standout offensive lineman for the Huskies before signing with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2009.
He would ultimately be waived without ever playing in an NFL game, according to online records.
His jury trial was highlighted by electronic evidence in the form of text messages between Gray and his co-conspirator.
According to the DOJ, Gray became ‘giddy over the amount of money they were making from Medicare.’
In one case, Gray’s partner wrote: ‘$ent, you should have it any minute if you don’t already. Get it?’
‘Sorry I was filling my bathtub with ones,’ Gray responded. ‘Yes lol.’
