#United States #Chicago #Mark Sorensen #Anti-Kickback #SyMed Inc.

Chicago Business Owner Exonerated

In a landmark decision, Mark Sorensen, the owner of SyMed Inc., has been acquitted of all charges relating to violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute. This ruling by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals marks the end of a tumultuous six-year legal ordeal for Sorensen, whose case has raised questions about the government’s application of healthcare laws and the implications for business owners in the medical supply sector.

The Background of the Case

The journey began in 2019, when Sorensen was charged with kickback violations stemming from partnerships within the healthcare system. His company, SyMed Inc., known for providing durable medical equipment, was found to have dealings with facilities owned by individuals who were later implicated in dubious practices. These partnerships led to accusations that patients received unwanted medical supplies, though evidence showed Sorensen was poorly informed about these transactions.

Sorensen’s arrest was troubling; federal agents apprehended him at home in front of his children, leaving a lasting impact on his family. Subsequent proceedings saw him being convicted in 2023, fueled largely by testimonies from key informants who received lighter sentences in exchange for their cooperation with the prosecution. This included Bernie Perconti and Craig O'Neil, whose actions and statements were pivotal to the government's case, despite their admission of engaging in criminal conduct unrelated to Sorensen.

In 2024, Sorensen was sentenced to 42 months in prison and ordered to forfeit approximately $1.89 million as part of the conviction. However, he maintained his innocence throughout this ordeal, claiming he had been misled by his associates and unjustly targeted by the government.

Appellate Court Decision

The turning point for Sorensen came in April 2025 when the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals determined that the government’s evidence against him was inadequate to support the conviction. This rare legal judgement not only exonerated him but also scrutinized the government's handling of the Anti-Kickback Statute, asserting that it had been improperly applied in this instance.

Upon review of the appellate ruling on June 12, 2025, the district judge allowed Sorensen’s motion for acquittal. This landmark decision speaks volumes about the importance of safeguarding business owners from potential overreach by federal authorities.

Stephen Chahn Lee, Sorensen's attorney, emphasized the ruling’s significance, advocating for a clearer understanding of the Anti-Kickback Statute’s boundaries, which could pave the way for more just applications of the law in similar cases. ”This case serves as a reminder that the justice system can uphold fairness when individuals are wrongly accused,” Lee remarked.

Moving Forward

In a statement following his acquittal, Sorensen expressed relief but also reflected on the significant personal and professional losses incurred during this turbulent time. “The government’s improper charges destroyed businesses that I built over 25 years. Regaining what I have lost will not be easy,” he conveyed, underscoring the familial impact of his arrest and conviction.

Despite the challenges ahead, Sorensen remains committed to rebuilding his life and business. He aims to share insights gained from this experience with others in the healthcare industry, hoping that future providers will be better prepared to navigate the complexities of healthcare law without facing unjust repercussions.

“I am deeply grateful for the support from my family and friends and especially from my legal team who fought tirelessly on my behalf,” Sorensen said, emphasizing his determination to emerge from this experience stronger and dedicated to ethical practices in healthcare.

Mark Sorensen's case not only highlights the vulnerability of business owners within complex legal frameworks but also emphasizes the need for clarity and fair application of laws designed to combat fraud in the medical sector. As he embarks on this new chapter, Sorensen represents resilience and the quest for justice in the face of adversity.