Florida Man Sentenced To 42 Months For Multimillion-Dollar Medicare Fraud Scheme

 

Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that ALAN SWISS was sentenced to 42 months in prison for participating in a multimillion-dollar conspiracy to defraud Medicare.  SWISS pled guilty on January 22, 2025, before U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl, who imposed today’s sentence. 

“Swiss defrauded Medicare through creating, purchasing, and selling millions of dollars’ of false prescriptions for medical equipment,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Fraud of this kind not only wastes taxpayer dollars but also drives up the cost of healthcare for all.  Today’s sentencing sends a clear message:  individuals who cheat Medicare will face justice.” 

According to statements made in court and publicly filed documents in this case:

From approximately 2016 through April 2019, SWISS operated a call center named Tropical Medical Marketing, Inc., which cold-called Medicare beneficiaries and used their personal and medical information without the beneficiaries’ knowledge or consent, to prepare prescriptions for durable medical equipment (“DME”).  SWISS then sold these DME prescriptions to co-conspirators who illegally obtained purported signatures or “authorizations” of health care providers, so that fraudulent claims could be submitted to Medicare for reimbursement.

From approximately 2017 through April 2019, SWISS also operated two DME supply companies: Modern Medical Equipment, Inc., which SWISS used primarily to bill Medicare directly under Medicare Part B, and A&E Medical, Inc., which SWISS used primarily to bill private insurance companies under Medicare Part C, also known as “Medicare Advantage.”  To obtain the DME prescriptions that SWISS used to support his unlawful claims to Medicare, SWISS used two unlawful methods: purchasing such prescriptions outright and using patient information that SWISS had generated through his call center and purchasing the purported signatures or authorizations of health care providers.  SWISS caused the two DME supply companies that he controlled to submit claims to Medicare for more than $18 million—through the billing company operated by his co-defendants, ERIN FOLEY and TED ALBIN—on which Medicare paid out nearly $6 million.

In addition to the prison term, SWISS, 52, of West Palm Beach County, Florida, was sentenced to three years of supervised released.  SWISS was also ordered to forfeit $6,650,929.76 and pay Medicare restitution in the amount of $6,650,929.76.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES MULTI-AGENCY “COMMUNITY LINK” OPERATION TO ENHANCE QUALITY OF LIFE, IMPROVE SAFETY IN CENTRAL PARK

Mayor Adams’ “Community Link” Has Provided Intensive Government Response Effort That Has Already Responded to Over 1,500 Complaints, Conducted Over 1,600 Operations 

  

Coalition Includes More Than 20 City Agencies and Community Partners Working to  Make Central Park Even Cleaner, Safer, and More Vibrant for New Yorkers and Visitors Partnership Has Resulted in Enhanced Public Safety Outreach and Enforcement Efforts,  in Collaboration with Newly Launched Central Park Ranger Corps  

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the “Central Park Conservancy Partnership,” a multi-agency response aimed at addressing public safety and improving quality of life in and around Central Park. The partnership — part of Mayor Adams’ “Community Link” initiative — is focused on improving coordination across enforcement agencies and increasing public education for parkgoers, particularly around illegal vending, unlicensed or unlawful pedicabs, excessive noise, and other quality-of-life concerns. 

  

“Central Park is the backyard of New York City, and everyone — families, kids, joggers, cyclists, and tourists — must be safe and feel safe while enjoying this iconic green space,” said Mayor Adams. “New York City remains the safest big city in America, the best place to raise a family, and a place where you know your city is looking out for you — on the streets, in our parks, in the subways, and on the sidewalks. Through the ‘Central Park Conservancy Partnership’ — our newest Community Link initiative — we are doubling down on our commitment to tackle quality-of-life complaints like excessive noise, trash, and illegal vending — delivering a safer, cleaner city for all.” 

 

“This operation is about more than enforcement — it’s about coordination, communication, and long-term strategies to protect one of the most iconic public spaces in the world,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry. “Under Mayor Adams’ direction, our city agencies and community partners are working together with one clear mission: making Central Park safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable for everyone. And we’re already getting it done — crime is down, order is being restored, and New Yorkers and visitors alike can see the difference.” 

  

“Central Park is one of the most visited locations in the country, with millions of visitors every year. This creates unique challenges in how we manage the use of shared space for the benefit of everyone. Through this new partnership with city agencies and the launch of our new Rangers Corps, we are working to make the park more welcoming and enjoyable for everyone,” said Betsy Smith, president and CEO, Central Park Conservancy. “We are grateful to the city, its many agencies that operate within Central Park, and the community that is dedicated to stewarding Central Park for the enjoyment of all.”  

  

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation’s (NYC Parks) Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP) have increased enforcement efforts in the park, particularly on unlawful pedicab operations and illegal vending. Year to date, this increased coordination has led to 681 summonses issued by the PEP, including 289 for pedicab violations and 294 for unauthorized vending for the first and second offenses. Other summonses include unlawful urination, unreasonable noise, and parking violations. The NYPD’s Central Park Precinct officers have issued 460 summonses year to date, including 194 for pedicab violations and 38 for illegal vending. Crime in the Central Park Precinct is down 50 percent year to date, driven by a 90 percent reduction in robberies and a nearly 29 percent reduction in grand larcenies. 

  

This partnership is aided by the Central Park Conservancy’s new Ranger Corps, deployed seven days a week to address visitor concerns and quality-of-life issues, protect the park, and serve as a point of contact for the public. The Rangers will not have summonsing authority but will coordinate closely with the NYPD and PEP to monitor compliance with city rules and permit guidelines and assist first responders during emergencies. Their responsibilities include addressing recurring issues like dogs off leash; improper operation of bikes, e-bikes, and mobility devices on park paths and drives; illegal vending; pedicab and horse carriage operators soliciting in unlawful places; and other quality-of-life issues.  

  

As part of the partnership, the Mayor’s Office has also already convened an interagency task force to address unsafe pedicab operations. The task force — working in partnership with the New York Pedicab Association — is focused on sustained enforcement and compliance with pedicab laws and regulations. Key initiatives include: 

  

• Crackdowns on unlicensed and repeat-offender pedicab operators: Year to date, the PEP has issued 289 summonses, and the NYPD has issued 194 summonses related to pedicab enforcement. The NYPD has also seized 19 pedicabs — up from just one during the same period in 2024. The task force is also working with Midtown Community Justice Center to identify and address repeat offenders. 

• Education to protect pedicab riders: The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), in coordination with the Mayor’s Office, produced an educational flyer that will be distributed throughout Central Park and shared across multiple communication channels to inform riders of their rights, help them identify properly licensed pedicab drivers, and explain how to report violations. 

  

Additionally, the NYPD and NYC Parks — in coordination with the partnership — developed new, consolidated vending rules and maps of approved vending locations to improve compliance and better protect consumers from fraudulent or unauthorized vendors selling items in Central Park. NYPD, NYC Parks, and the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) are also implementing infrastructure improvements in and around Central Park — including repairing and installing lighting and security cameras — to enhance public safety, deter unlawful activity, improve visibility, and support ongoing enforcement efforts. 

  

The partnership is led by the Mayor’s Office and the Central Park Conservancy, in collaboration with community partners from: 

  

• American Museum of Natural History 

• Center for Justice Innovation 

• Central Park Boathouse 

• Central Park Zoo 

• Delacorte Theater 

• Metropolitan Museum of Art 

• New York City Community Boards 5, 7, 8 and 10 

• New York Pedicab Alliance 

• New York Roadrunners 

• Tavern on the Green 

• Wildlife Conservation Society 

• Wollman Rink 

  

Participating city agencies in this Community Link include: 

• DCWP 

• DOT 

• Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health 

• Mayor’s Office of Municipal Services Assessment 

• New York City Department of Environmental Protection 

• New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) 

• New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) 

• New York City Department of Sanitation 

• New York City Department of Veterans’ Services 

• New York City Office of Technology and Innovation 

• NYC Parks 

• NYPD 

  

In May 2023, Mayor Adams launched Community Link to bring together various city agencies and local community and business leaders to address complex and often chronic community complaints that require a multi-agency response. Community Link has previously convened seven community improvement coalitions throughout the five boroughs. Focused on “hot spot” areas, Community Link is active at 125th Street, on the 110th Street Corridor, in Midtown West, and on East 14th Street in Manhattan; on Roosevelt Avenue in Queens; and at “The Hub” in the South Bronx. Since its inception, Community Link has responded to over 1,500 complaints and conducted over 1,600 operations to address quality-of-life concerns raised by the communities they serve.  

  

The Central Park Conservancy Partnership builds on the work conducted by the Community Link team on the 110th Street Corridor bordering the north side of Central Park, which began in April 2024. To date, this Community Link has made 111 arrests, issued 1,031 summonses, and seized five scooters on 110th Street. In addition, DHS and DOHMH conducted outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, resulting in over 1,000 clients engaged and over 25 placed in shelters. 

  

Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Adams administration’s emphasis on taking a community-driven approach to public safety concerns. In October 2024, Mayor Adams announced the “Every Block Counts” pilot program, a data-driven multi-agency and community partnership that aims to permanently transform the conditions and culture on residential blocks that have historically seen high levels of crime and quality-of-life issues. Efforts are informed by volunteer residents known as “Block CEOs” and include infrastructure improvements, such as repaving sidewalks and removing graffiti, as well as social services and resources for block residents. In April 2025, Mayor Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch launched the NYPD’s new Quality of Life Division, a citywide initiative that brings together specially trained officers from existing NYPD community-oriented roles to address chronic quality-of-life issues and strengthen community trust. 

 

“It is paramount New Yorkers feel safe and heard within their communities — something this hub aims to address through effective and strategic investments by multiple-agencies, community leaders, and law enforcement collaboration,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “The ‘Central Park Conservancy Partnership’ is thoughtfully crafted to target chronic community concerns and find proactive fixes to quality-of-life complaints to restore the community’s faith, trust, and wellbeing. We look forward to our continued collaboration with our city and community partners to achieve long-lasting public safety.” 

Governor Hochul Announces Confirmation of Three Cabinet Members

Willow Baer Confirmed By New York State Senate To Serve As Commissioner of the Office For People With Developmental Disabilities

Amanda Lefton Confirmed By New York State Senate To Serve As Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation

Denise Miranda Confirmed By New York State Senate To Serve As Commissioner of the Division of Human Rights

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the confirmation of three members of her cabinet.

“New Yorkers deserve smart, experienced professionals at every level of government, and these leaders have distinguished themselves as public servants,” Governor Hochul said. “Our Administration is laser focused on making New York safer and more affordable, and these three commissioners will play pivotal roles in our work to improve the lives of all New Yorkers. “

The following Commissioners were confirmed by the Senate:

• Willow Baer, Office For People With Developmental Disabilities
• Amanda Lefton, Department of Environmental Conservation
• Denise Miranda, Division of Human Rights

About Commissioner Willow Baer

Willow Baer was confirmed by the New York State Senate on May 21 to serve as Commissioner of the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities. Commissioner Baer has been serving as Acting Commissioner since July 2024.

Commissioner Baer is honored to lead OPWDD. Previously, she served as OPWDD’s Executive Deputy Commissioner and oversaw the agency’s operational management, including planning, fiscal planning and oversight, and policy development. She was also responsible for oversight of agency staff in a broad range of capacities, including direct care support, clinical and medical staff in residential and non-residential settings, maintenance and operations.

Commissioner Baer has served twice as Assistant Counsel to Governor Hochul, overseeing legal priorities and legislation across the fields of Human Services and Mental Hygiene. Additionally, she previously served as General Counsel to OPWDD, General Counsel and Deputy Commissioner for the Office of Children & Family Services, and as Counsel to the NYS Justice Center.

Commissioner Baer was named one of PoliticsNY and amNY’sMetro 2024 Power Players in Health Care and was presented with the 2025 Distinguished Public Service Award by the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation.

Commissioner Baer has spent her entire career working to protect and advocate for underrepresented populations. She will continue the agency’s work to ensure that New York is a state that is inclusive, supportive, and one that those with developmental disabilities live with meaningful choice and are proud to call home.

About Commissioner Amanda Lefton

Amanda Lefton was confirmed by the New York State Senate on May 28 to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Commissioner Lefton has been serving as Acting Commissioner since February 2025.

Commissioner Lefton’s diverse career spans the public and private sectors, including previously serving as the Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) within the Department of the Interior. Under her leadership, BOEM developed and implemented an ambitious federal offshore wind program creating a new industry of family supporting jobs and generational opportunity. Her collaborative approach brought together various stakeholders to responsibly manage the nation’s critical offshore energy and mineral resources.

Prior to her role as BOEM Director, Lefton served as the First Assistant Secretary for Energy and Environment for New York, where she led the State’s environmental and climate initiatives overseeing a portfolio of executive agencies including the DEC. She has also worked for The Nature Conservancy in New York as the Deputy Policy Director and climate mitigation lead, the Rochester Regional Joint Board of Workers United and the New York State Assembly and New York State Senate. Lefton comes to the DEC from RWE, one of the world's leading players in the offshore wind sector, where she was the Vice President of Offshore Development, U.S. East.

Originally from Queens, Commissioner Lefton grew up on Long Island and holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University at Albany. She now resides in the Capital Region with her wife and stepchildren.

About Commissioner Denise Miranda

Denise Miranda was confirmed by the New York State Senate on May 29 to serve as Commissioner of the Division of Human Rights. Commissioner Miranda has been serving as Acting Commissioner since March 2024.

Under Commissioner Miranda’s leadership, the Division has launched ambitious efforts to overhaul the agency’s discrimination complaint intake and case management processes while also implementing vital organizational changes and operational improvements. These essential upgrades will result in a bolder, more powerful, and more efficient Division that is prepared to protect the rights of all New Yorkers at a time when that mission has never been more critical.

Since Commissioner Miranda’s appointment, the Division has increased staffing levels agencywide by more than 50 percent, expanded education and outreach initiatives, and launched new units essential to advancing the agency’s work. These initiatives have been supported by Governor Hochul’s historic investments. The Governor has more than doubled the Division’s funding during her time in office, including an $11 million increase in the FY26 Enacted Budget.

Prior to this, Commissioner Miranda served as the Executive Director of the New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs for seven years. She oversaw the agency’s operations, which included investigations into abuse and neglect, criminal prosecutions, and administrative disciplinary proceedings. Under her leadership, the Justice Center managed the care of over one million individuals, with a workforce of more than 425 employees and a $41 million operating budget.