Coon Rapids Man Pleads Guilty To Stealing Prosthetics From The U Of M And Selling Them Online

MINNEAPOLIS—Earlier today in federal court, a 52-year-old Coon Rapids man pleaded guilty to stealing prosthetics and related supplies from the University of Minnesota Medical Center—Fairview and selling them online. Specifically, Peter Stasica pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. Stasica, who was charged on March 8, 2013, entered his plea before United States District Court Judge Ann D. Montgomery.

In his plea agreement, Stasica admitted that from February to August 2011, while he was the prosthetics manager for Fairview’s Orthotics and Prosthetics Department, he began removing prosthetics and prosthetic-related supplies without authorization to sell on eBay. In his capacity as prosthetics manager, Stasica’s duties included purchasing supplies and equipment, working with vendors, and advising patients about whether a new prosthetic limb was necessary.

In addition, Stasica admitted he solicited from several patients, under false pretenses, prosthetics they were not using. Stasica did not disclose to those patients that he intended to sell them. During the course of the scheme, approximately 40 buyers purchased more than 60 prosthetics and related supplies from Stasica via eBay. The items had an actual cost to Fairview of approximately $122,928. The eBay sales resulted in a profit of approximately $17,296.

For his crime, Stasica faces a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Judge Montgomery will determine his sentence at a future hearing, yet to be scheduled. This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Genrich.