PHYSICIAN PLEADS GUILTY TO HEALTH CARE FRAUD OFFENSE
DR. WINDSOR DENNIS, age 78, and a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty in federal court today before U. S. District Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle to one count of health care fraud, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.
According to court documents, DR. DENNIS, an orthopaedic surgeon who operated a medical practice in New Orleans, billed the U. S. Department of Labor, Office of Worker’s Compensation, for health care services he claimed to have performed after Hurricane Katrina when his office was not open. He has agreed to pay $750,000.00 in restitution to the U. S. Department of Labor.
DR. DENNIS faces a possible maximum sentence of ten (10) years, a fine of $250,000 and three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing has been scheduled for May 26, 2010.
Daniel R. Petrole, Acting Inspector General, United States Department of Labor, stated:
“This plea is the result of collaboration by several Federal agencies working together to root out workers’ compensation fraud and bring those responsible to justice. We will continue to detect and quickly respond to fraud schemes perpetrated against the Department of Labor programs.”
David C. Williams, Inspector General for the U.S. Postal Service, added”
“Today’s plea and restitution agreement by Dr. Windsor Dennis is a significant victory in the on-going battle against fraudulent workers’ compensation claims. The workers’ compensation program benefits thousands of postal employees who have received legitimate on-the-job injuries. But false claims, particularly by health care providers, undermine the system.”
The case was investigated by the Offices of Inspector General for the United States Postal Service and the United States Department of Labor. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Patrice Harris Sullivan.
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