Ophthalmologist to Remain in Prison After Fraud Conviction Upheld

Editor’s note: Dr. Salomon Melgen was pardoned by President Donald Trump in January 2021.

A Florida ophthalmologist will remain in jail after a court upheld his conviction for health care fraud.

Dr. Salomon Melgen argued that his 2017 conviction was improper, but the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected his claims, the Palm Beach Post reports.

The court wrote: “Melgen brings us a laundry list of perceived bases for reversal. We affirm the district court’s judgment in all respects.”

Melgen was convicted on dozens of counts related to a Medicare fraud scheme.

He was sentenced in February 2018 to 17 years in prison. He was also ordered to pay nearly $43 million in restitution.

Melgen, now 65, was accused of performing procedures that weren’t necessary.

Read more at the Palm Beach Post