Former Psychiatrist Sentenced For Social Security Fraud

SAN JUAN, P.R. -- Psychiatrist Luis Escabi-Perez was sentenced to five years of probation, 500 hours of community service and ordered to pay a restitution of $230,244, for fraud in the application process for Social Security Administration (SSA) disability insurance benefits in Puerto Rico, announced United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodriguez Velez.

Escabi-Perez had plead guilty on July 29, 2015 to committing fraud to the Social Security Administration. Escabi-Perez' DEA and medical license were revoked without contest.

Defendant Luis Escabi-Perez submitted Psychiatric Medical Reports to the SSA in support of applications for disability insurance benefits submitted by his patients. Escabi-Perez charged a fee for the medical visits, typically in the amount of $100.00. In addition, the defendant typically charged a fee in the amount of $500.00, for the preparation and submittal of a Psychiatric Medical Report to the SSA. He would at times also charge additional fees of up to $5,000 to backdate medical records in order to create the appearance of a longer history of medical treatment.

The case was investigated by the Social Security-OIG with the collaboration of the FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Vanessa D. Bonano-Rodriguez prosecuted the case.