One of 11 suspects accused in multimillion-dollar medication scheme using military families speaks

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Wednesday, three more suspects accused in a multimillion-dollar medication scheme pleaded not guilty in federal court.

As Action News Jax told you last week, 11 locals allegedly used TRICARE customers - military members and veterans - to rip off the government.

Federal prosecutors said Earl Smalls and Qualla Miller were recruiters for the marketing firm Casepark, the Park and King Pharmacy and others.

They said Mario Correa Jackson is a former Navy service member and worked for Smalls.

Investigators said the Naval Criminal Investigative Service has been involved.

The indictment said the suspects’ alleged scheme was worth $43.5 million.

Action News Jax caught up with Smalls after Wednesday’s hearing.

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“Why would they bring these charges against you?” Action News Jax reporter Russell Colburn asked.

“Your guess is better than mine, sir,” Smalls said.

“So, you have no idea?” Colburn asked.

“No idea,” Smalls said. “I’m just going through the process trying to figure out what’s going on. I’m just more surprised than you are.”

Some of the 11 suspects in this alleged scheme are facing 25 years in prison.

The trial could start as soon as January 2020.

One doctor, Felmor Agatep, has already pleaded guilty to this TRICARE case.

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