Former Texas mayor and two others found guilty in $150 million money laundering and health care

Former Texas mayor and two others found guilty in $150 million money laundering and health care fraud scheme


McALLEN, Texas - A federal jury found three men associated with a Texas health care company guilty today for their roles in a $150 million health care fraud scheme, one of which was a mayor in Texas at the time.

After a three-week trial, the jury found Rodney Mesquias, 47, San Antonio, Henry McInnis, 47, Harlingen, and Francisco Pena, 82, Laredo, guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. In addition, Mesquias and McInnis were found guilty of six counts of health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. Pena was also convicted of one count of health care fraud, obstruction of health care investigations and one count of false statements, while Mesquias and Pena were each convicted of one count of conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks.

U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera presided over the trial and set sentencing for June 17.

“Rodney Mesquias and his co-conspirators preyed on the most vulnerable population – those in need of hospice and home health care – to line their pockets with millions of dollars and engage in lavish spending,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “I thank our law enforcement partners for their hard work and dedication to bringing these health care fraudsters to justice. We look forward to continuing our partnership as we expand the Strike Force into the Rio Grande Valley.”

“It’s disgusting how these three made millions by lying about and manipulating people’s end of life care,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). “These men won’t have season tickets or nice cars where they are headed.”

Read more: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/former-texas-mayor-and-two-others-found-guilty-150-million-money-laundering-and-health

Pena was mayor of Rio Bravo during the times the crimes were committed.