Pittsburgh Doctor Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud and Oxycodone Trafficking Charges
In a shocking revelation, Dr. Kenneth M. Stanko, a 67-year-old Pittsburgh psychiatrist, has pleaded guilty to two felony counts in federal court. The charges include possession with intent to distribute and distribution of Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, as well as health care fraud.
According to the information presented to the court, Stanko illegally distributed Oxycodone for cash and submitted false claims to UPMC Health Plan and AETNA for prescriptions that were outside the usual course of practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessat is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
Dr. Kenneth M. Stanko, the defendant, faces a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1,250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Judge David Stewart Cercone has scheduled sentencing for May 24, 2016, at 10 a.m.
In a statement, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced the guilty plea, stating that Dr. Stanko’s actions were a serious breach of trust and a threat to the public’s health and safety.
Dr. Kenneth M. Stanko, 67, a medical doctor, illegally distributed Oxycodone for cash and submitted false claims to UPMC Health Plan and AETNA for prescriptions that were outside the usual course of practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of prescription medication abuse and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the healthcare system.
Related Federal Cases
- June Gibbs Brown, Health Care Fraud Fighter, Washington DC, 2023 · Washington
- Christopher Furman, Wire Fraud and Money Laundering, Pennsylvania 2024 · Pennsylvania
- Donald Smith, Wire Fraud, Pennsylvania 2019 · Pennsylvania
- Irina Segal, Medicare Fraud, Pennsylvania 2023 · California
- Christopher Furman, Wire Fraud and Money Laundering, Pennsylvania 2024 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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