Posted on 11/12/2015 4:34:43 PM PST by conservative98
WASHINGTON Republican presidential contender Ben Carson has maintained a business relationship with a close friend convicted of defrauding insurance companies and testified on his behalf, even as the candidate has called for such crimes to be punished harshly.
Pittsburgh dentist Alfonso A. Costa pleaded guilty to a felony count of health-care fraud after an FBI probe into his oral surgery practice found he had charged for procedures he never performed, according to court records.
Though the crime carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison, Costa was able to avoid prison time after Carson helped petition a federal judge for leniency.
Thats different from the position Carson took in 2013 as he prepared to launch his presidential campaign, saying those convicted of health-care fraud should go to prison for at least a decade and be forced to forfeit all of one’s personal possessions.
At Costas 2008 sentencing hearing, Carson described the dentist as one of my closest, if not my very closest friend.
We became friends about a decade ago because we discovered that we were so much alike and shared the same values and principles that govern our lives, Carson told the judge, adding that their families vacationed together and that they were involved in joint projects.
Next to my wife of 32 years, there is no one on this planet that I trust more than Al Costa, Carson said.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
“Thats different from the position Carson took in 2013 as he prepared to launch his presidential campaign, saying those convicted of health-care fraud should go to prison for at least a decade and be forced to forfeit all of one’s personal possessions. “
The guy is a chameleon.
Well the guy has been a Republican for like a year. Who knows what he is.
Who is Johnny Trang for 100 Alex.
Hey NYP ever hear of Tony Rezko? How about the KKKlinton foundation?
I’m no Carson fan for the Presidency but cmon! If we are using this as a basis to dig then I’d guarantee that 100% of those on the Hill have associations or connections to people who are currently in or been to prison in some form or another?
Ever played Bacon bits?
Didn’t Obama just write an executive order saying that ex cons have to get hired?
Is there anything Dr. Carson’s supporters won’t defend? Keep in mind that his narrative when he started the campaign was that he’s an honest, hardworking conservative who believes in the rule of law.
Oh no you and I are in agreement but there are many more things to nail this guy on than this. Especially when all on the hill have their hands just as dirty
This is Carson’s best friend and is another red flag whether you choose to ignore or not.
When are they going to accuse Dr. Carson of reaching into white women’s dresses as they did Herman Cain (a rocket scientist, btw...)?
Give it time.
Like Chelsea Clinton and her husband’s dad?
That’s nothing compared to Billary and the 0bamas.
There are reasons to wonder about him.
That is popular argument among Carson fans who know perfectly well he is doing something wrong; they feel compelled to attempt to justify it and point to others like Hillary Rotten Clinton or BJ Bill Jefferson. Carson tried to hit his mom over the head with a hammer and stabbed a friend.His closest friend is a convicted felon. Are these qualifications for running for President. It is like some freepers don’t want Carson vetted just like the Dems don’t want Obama vetted. smh.
My point is that only Republican candidates come under scrutiny where Democrats skate, even when they’re way worse.
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