The ophthalmologist of Dominican origin Salomon Melgen, sentenced in 2018 to 17 years in prison for fraud to the health insurance for the elderly (Medicare), was benefited with a clemency measure granted by Donald Trump in the last hours of his presidency, according to the White House press secretary.
Melgen, a prominent Palm Beach, Florida physician, was one of more than 100 people Trump pardoned or had their sentences commuted.
“Dr. Melgen was found guilty of health care fraud and false statements. Numerous patients and friends testify to their generosity in treating all patients, ”the statement said.
According to the information distributed to the media, among those who support the pardon of Salomon Melgen is the Democratic Senator of New Jersey, Bob Menéndez. In 2015, Melgen was also accused of being a co-conspirator in a corruption charges case against this senator. However, in 2018 the Justice Department dismissed the charges against Menéndez as the jury could not agree on the verdict.