Former UConn Football Star Keith J. Gray Convicted in $328 Million Medicare Genetic Testing Fraud
DALLAS, Texas — Keith J. Gray, a former University of Connecticut football standout and owner of two Texas-based medical laboratories, was convicted Thursday for orchestrating a massive Medicare fraud scheme involving genetic testing services. Federal prosecutors revealed that Gray’s operation billed Medicare approximately $328 million through fraudulent claims tied to illegal kickback arrangements.
Gray, who played college football at UConn but never appeared in a regular season NFL game, owned Axis Professional Labs and Kingdom Health Laboratory. According to a Justice Department press release, he was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks, alongside five counts of violating the anti-kickback statute and three counts of money laundering.
The scheme centered on billing Medicare for costly genetic tests that were either unnecessary or never performed, with kickbacks paid to referring physicians and other participants to generate fraudulent claims. The Department of Justice emphasized that this case is part of a broader crackdown on health care fraud schemes that exploit government programs.
Medicare, administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, has been targeted by various fraudulent actors who submit false claims for diagnostic tests, including genetic testing, which has grown in complexity and cost over recent years. The fraudulent billing in this case significantly undermined the integrity of Medicare, which provides health coverage to millions of Americans.
Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Health Care Fraud Unit conducted the investigation, collaborating with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Their work uncovered the elaborate network of kickbacks and false billing that inflated Medicare payments by hundreds of millions.
Gray’s conviction sends a strong message about the federal government’s commitment to combating health care fraud. According to the HHS Office of Inspector General, health care fraud not only wastes taxpayer dollars but also jeopardizes patient care and the sustainability of vital programs.
While Gray faces significant penalties including potential prison time and fines, the case also highlights ongoing challenges in regulating complex medical testing and ensuring compliance with anti-kickback laws designed to prevent financial incentives from influencing medical decisions.
As the health care industry continues to evolve, authorities remain vigilant in identifying and prosecuting fraud schemes that threaten public trust and government resources. Gray’s conviction marks a significant victory in these efforts, reinforcing the necessity of transparency and accountability in Medicare billing practices.
Leave a Reply