Former Ole Miss star Rufus French was sentenced to more than 16 years in prison for “a yearslong a scheme to bilk Medicare and the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs … out of nearly $200 million,” the U.S. Department of Justice said in a press release Friday.
French, who “was the beneficial owner of eight durable medical equipment … companies” was convicted of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, among other things, in February following a trial.
According to the release, French sold “patient information and sham doctors’ orders for orthotic braces that patients did not want or need” that were then turned in as Medicare claims. He also billed Medicare and CHAMPVA for braces “using straw owners and false documents to hide his connection to the companies.”
French, 47, was ordered to pay more than $110,000,000 in restitution.
French starred for Ole Miss at tight end from 1996 through 1998, racking up 84 receptions for 814 yards and four touchdowns. He was a consensus All-American in 1998 after catching 35 passes for 386 yards and two touchdowns. He was not selected in the NFL Draft but was a member of the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers, per ESPN.
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