Former Rep. Tom Suozzi is vying to regain his seat—currently occupied by George Santos—in the House of Representatives. But by wading back into politics, the Democrat had already drawn the eye of scandal. Records show he got $20,400 in campaign contributions from a cardiologist who allegedly stole $1.3 million from Medicare and Medicaid for his two most previous office bids.
The former office holder from New York’s 3rd Congressional District received the cash from Dr. Perry Frankel from July 2020 through February 2022. Around $16,000 went towards his failed run for Governor, while the rest has gone to his congressional campaign.
In April 2022, Perry was indicted on federal fraud charges that remain pending. Prosecutors claim he submitted $1.3 million in fake claims to Medicare and Medicaid in relation to COVID-19 testing, and that he used a bit of the cash to buy a 2021 Bentley Bentayga as well as an equestrian stable.
Suozzi has apparently not returned any funds, despite his critics saying the acceptance of the money raises red flags.
