A dentist in Florida is being investigated for his connection to an alleged multimillion-dollar scheme to defraud Medicaid that has been dubbed the "tooth fairy heist," according to a story published on April 9 by WOKV.com.
In South Florida, the heist made headlines after five dental clinic workers were arrested in connection with an alleged Medicaid fraud scheme totaling nearly $2.3 million, but then the charges were dropped in November 2023. Despite this, the investigation continues in Northeast Florida and includes Dr. Howard Fetner of Jacksonville, FL, who was accused by the state's department of financial services of playing a role in the purported scheme, according to the story.
The scam purportedly involved billing Medicaid for dental services that were never done and using billing codes given to dentists working for ACPDO Management. Fetner is accused of firing several dentists when they questioned these practices, according to the story.
Now it will be up to the Florida State Attorney of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in Gainesville to decide whether Fetner will be charged.
In March, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis reassigned the case to this attorney general after the initial attorney general recused herself citing conflicts of interest, including that some members of her staff had undergone dental work by Fetner's family members. The Eighth Circuit attorney has until March 27, 2025, to determine whether Fetner will be charged, according to the story.
