A Florida man, responsible for orchestrating $97 million in healthcare fraud across three states, has been sentenced to a decade in federal prison. Daniel M. Hurt, 60, of Fort Lauderdale, must also pay back that same amount in restitution. On Tuesday, Hurt’s attorney revealed in Pittsburgh's federal court that his client has liquidated his personal assets, already returning nearly $30 million.

"Mr. Hurt has taken significant steps to address his actions and make amends," said defense attorney Colin Callahan, advocating for a reduced sentence.

While U.S. District Judge W. Scott Hardy recognized these efforts and imposed a shorter sentence than the guidelines suggested, he still adhered to the U.S. Attorney's recommendation. He emphasized the magnitude of the crime, calling Hurt the primary orchestrator of an extensive scheme. "The defendant was the organizer, the leader, and his role in the conspiracy was extensive," Judge Hardy noted. "That's a staggering amount of fraudulent conduct."

Hurt had pleaded guilty in September 2022 to conspiracy, healthcare fraud, and conspiracy to accept kickbacks. His fraudulent schemes began in 2014 and spanned Florida, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

One conspiracy involved submitting fraudulent Medicare claims for unnecessary cancer screenings in Pittsburgh, while another in New Jersey included 25,000 fraudulent Medicare claims, amounting to $53.5 million. The third scheme in Florida exploited compounded medications through telemedicine services.

Overall, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services lost nearly $79 million. Tricare and CHAMP-VA programs lost a combined $18.85 million.

At the sentencing, Hurt expressed deep regret for his actions, apologizing to the court and his family for his "inexcusable, unacceptable, and shameful" conduct. He will forfeit a $3 million yacht, a private aircraft, and other assets. Hurt can report to prison after his son's first day of college in August, pending a formal intake date from the Bureau of Prisons.