Queens Pharmacy Owner Arrested in Alleged $31 Million Healthcare Fraud Scheme

A 62-year-old pharmacy owner has been arrested in New York on allegations of defrauding government healthcare programs of more than $31 million through two pharmacies in Jackson Heights, Queens. Miguel Barron was reportedly arrested at LaGuardia Airport while attempting to board a flight to Toronto, Canada.

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Barron’s arrest and the filing of charges on October 7. Investigators allege that Barron used Guardiola Pharmacy and Barron Specialty Pharmacy to carry out the scheme, which targeted Medicaid and the state’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP).

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the alleged fraud took place between January 1, 2023, and April 29, 2026. Investigators claim that patients living with HIV and enrolled in Medicaid were offered cash payments, generally ranging from $150 to $250, in exchange for obtaining their prescription medications.

Prosecutors allege that some medications collected from patients were returned to pharmacy inventory and then billed to government programs multiple times as though they had been dispensed again. In other instances, the pharmacies allegedly supplied medications obtained from unauthorized sources while submitting claims for approved drugs.

The alleged practices raised concerns about patient safety, proper medication storage and the continuity of life-saving treatment for people living with HIV.

Investigators further allege that proceeds from the scheme were routed through bank accounts belonging to shell companies to conceal their origins. The money was allegedly used to purchase luxury properties and condominiums in Miami, finance construction projects, and buy vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz and Lexus models. Investigators also allege that tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were purchased with the proceeds.

In addition to the criminal case, the Attorney General’s Office has filed a civil action seeking asset forfeiture and more than $95 million in damages from Barron and the associated businesses.

A Queens County grand jury has brought multiple charges against Barron and the businesses, including grand larceny, healthcare fraud, illegal payments to Medicaid beneficiaries and money laundering.

If convicted of first-degree grand larceny, Barron could face a prison sentence ranging from eight years and four months to 25 years, according to the charges outlined in the report.

The allegations have not been established as facts in court. The case is based on a press release from the New York State Attorney General’s Office.