A former laboratory owner in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 60 days’ incarceration for his role in a $1.6 million Medicaid kickback conspiracy, the Grimy Times has learned.
William Hughes, 74, was sentenced by United States District Judge David S. Cercone for one count of conspiracy to pay unlawful kickbacks. The scheme, which took place between 2011 and 2013, involved Hughes’ laboratory, Universal Oral Fluid Labs (UOFL), and a physician in Kentucky, Dr. Varanise Booker.
According to court documents, Hughes paid Dr. Booker $843,242.31 in kickbacks for referring patients to UOFL for drug testing services. The laboratory then billed the Kentucky Medicaid Program $1,670,469.77 for these services.
The investigation into Hughes’ scheme was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
Hughes’ sentence also includes 12 months of home detention, a $5,000 fine, the forfeiture of $750,000 in previously seized assets, and restitution of $1,670,469.77 to the Kentucky Medicaid Program.
Dr. Booker, who has pleaded not guilty, remains a defendant in the case and her trial is pending before Judge Cercone.
The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Robert Hughes, the former lab owner, must now face the consequences of his actions and pay back the money he swindled from the Kentucky Medicaid Program.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rooting out corruption and holding those responsible accountable for their crimes.
Related Federal Cases
- Greensburg Lab Owner, Ky. Psychiatrist Busted in $843K Kickback Scheme · Mississippi
- US WorldMeds Pay $17.5M for Kickback Scheme to Medicare · Pennsylvania
- SC Meth Kingpin Sentenced to 20 Years · South Carolina
- KY Doctor Baird Gets Probation in $567K Kickback Scheme · Mississippi
- Meth Kingpin Gets 188 Months for Trafficking · Indiana
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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