Manuel Delgado, 64, has pleaded guilty to charges of accepting cash bribes and engaging in self-dealing as part of a conspiracy to obstruct the Medicare program. Delgado’s actions compromised the integrity of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
As a contractor for the Board of Certification/Accreditation, International (BOC), Delgado was responsible for inspecting durable medical equipment (DME) companies to ensure they met CMS quality standards. BOC accreditation was a prerequisite for CMS approval, allowing companies to bill Medicare for DME provided to patients.
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According to court documents, Delgado abused his position by accepting cash bribes from numerous DME company owners. These bribes were paid to expedite and facilitate the accreditation process, enabling the companies to enroll with and bill Medicare.
In addition to accepting bribes, Delgado engaged in self-dealing by forming DME companies in the names of family members to conceal his personal involvement. He then conducted inspections of these companies, securing BOC accreditation and CMS approval.
Delgado subsequently sold these fraudulently accredited companies, which had become valuable Medicare-enrolled suppliers. The estimated value of the DME companies Delgado inspected and fraudulently accredited exceeded $1.4 million.
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Delgado entered his guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ellen D’Angelo, who will prepare a report and recommendation for U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore.
Delgado faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Further proceedings will be scheduled by the court.
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