Dubois-area Doctor Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud

JOHNSTOWN, PA - A resident of DuBois, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of health care fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

David James Girardi, 41, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, Girardi, formerly a physician at Brookville Hospital, admitted to committing health care fraud by submitting fraudulent claims to Highmark for six Oxycodone and Hydrocodone prescriptions that Girardi wrote for his wife, but which were in fact intended for his own use.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for August 5, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued defendant’s bond.

Assistant United States Attorneys Colin J. Callahan and Rachael L. Mamula are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of David James Girardi.