Doctor connected to Menendez stole millions from medicare, prosecutor says

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Prosecutors are arguing that a prominent Florida eye doctor's practice was actually a well-organized scam that stole millions from Medicare.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Chase told a federal jury Tuesday during closing arguments that Dr. Salomon Melgen performed unnecessary tests and treatments on his mostly elderly patients to "line his pockets with millions."

Melgen's attorneys were expected to make their closing arguments later Tuesday. They've said he is a good doctor and any billing problems were mistakes.

The 62-year-old doctor faces the equivalent of a life sentence if convicted of all or most of the 76 counts against him. He is accused of stealing up to $105 million.

Melgen is charged separately in New Jersey with bribing Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, who has denied any wrongdoing.