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Dr. Howard A. Fetner, a well-known dentist in Jacksonville, Florida, has recently made headlines due to an ongoing investigation linked to an alleged Medicaid fraud case known as the “Tooth Fairy Heist.” This case, which initially gained attention in South Florida, involved accusations of billing Medicaid for services that were not rendered. The allegations targeted several individuals, including Dr. Fetner, who was implicated by the Florida Department of Financial Services for potentially fraudulent activities. However, no charges have been officially filed against him.
Details of the Investigation
The case, involving a suspected Medicaid fraud scheme totaling nearly $2.3 million, led to the arrest of five dental clinic workers in South Florida. Although these charges were dropped in November 2023, investigations in Northeast Florida continued, with Dr. Fetner remaining a focal point of scrutiny. The accusations included misusing billing codes and terminating employees who raised concerns about the billing practices at his clinics.
In 2024, the case was reassigned to the Eighth Judicial Circuit in Gainesville following the recusal of a local state attorney due to potential conflicts of interest. This reassignment was part of Governor Ron DeSantis’s effort to ensure impartiality in the investigation.
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FAQ
- What is Dr. Howard A. Fetner’s background? Dr. Fetner is a dentist practicing in Jacksonville, Florida, known for his involvement in various dental services over several decades.
- What is the “Tooth Fairy Heist”? It is the nickname given to an alleged Medicaid fraud scheme involving billing discrepancies in Florida dental clinics, including accusations related to Dr. Fetner.
- What are the current legal standings in this case? As of mid-2024, no official charges have been filed against Dr. Fetner. The case remains under review by the State Attorney of the Eighth Judicial Circuit.
- Why were charges initially dropped in South Florida? The charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence to pursue the case further, although investigations have continued in other regions.
- What will happen next in the investigation? The Eighth Circuit has a deadline until March 27, 2025, to decide whether to proceed with any legal actions against Dr. Fetner.