Teresa Lewis Pleads Guilty to Medical Practice Defraud, South Point…

Teresa Lewis, 60, of South Point, Ohio, has pleaded guilty in federal court to defrauding a Huntington medical practice, announcing a shocking turn of events in a case that has left the community reeling.

According to the United States Attorney Booth Goodwin, Lewis pleaded guilty to two felony offenses, stemming from her time as a billing assistant at the Huntington Retina Center. The medical practice, which specializes in the treatment of vision disorders, eye injuries, and eye diseases, was victimized by Lewis, who used her position to gain access to credit cards issued to the practice and an associated physician.

From 2012 to 2014, Lewis used the credit cards to buy personal items and pay personal expenses, totaling more than $50,000. The brazen scheme has raised questions about the lack of oversight and accountability within the medical practice, allowing Lewis to carry out her crimes unchecked for years.

Lewis now faces a total of 20 years in prison and up to a $500,000 fine when she is sentenced on June 1, 2015. As part of her plea agreement, Lewis has agreed to pay $52,317 in restitution, a small price to pay for the trust she has broken. The sentence will be decided by Chief United States District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers, who presided over the guilty plea.

The investigation into Lewis’s crimes was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Huntington Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is responsible for the prosecution, which has been praised for its thoroughness and dedication to bringing Lewis to justice.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of fraud and financial crimes, which can have far-reaching consequences for individuals, businesses, and communities. As the people of Huntington look to move forward from this shocking crime, they can take comfort in the knowledge that justice has been served, and those responsible will be held accountable.

In a city where trust and integrity are essential, the actions of Teresa Lewis have undermined the very fabric of the community. However, with her guilty plea and the subsequent sentencing, the city can begin to heal and rebuild, knowing that the justice system is working to protect its citizens from those who would seek to exploit and harm them.