Prominent Fla. eye doctor charged in fraud probe
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) – A prominent Florida eye doctor has surrendered to the FBI on fraud charges stemming from a federal corruption probe.
Hollywood ophthalmologist Alan Mendelsohn pleaded not guilty in federal court Wednesday following his early morning arrest. A federal indictment says Mendelsohn raised more than $2 million for lobbying and other services, but secretly diverted $350,000 for personal use.
The indictment also says Mendelsohn falsely claimed he had bribed top state officials to thwart an investigation into a shady insurance company.
Mendelsohn is close to Gov. Charlie Crist and served on a governor’s health policy panel.
Mendelsohn’s attorney John Keker predicted the doctor will eventually be vindicated.