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Press Release

Medical Doctor Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud, Illegally Distributing Drugs

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Hermitage, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of Tramadol, a Schedule IV controlled substance, and health care fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Dr. Anthony Rossi, 66, of Hermitage, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to the two felony counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

According to information presented to the Court at the guilty plea, Dr. Rossi, a medical doctor, illegally distributed a controlled substance, Tramadol, for cash. Further, Dr. Rossi submitted false claims to Medicaid for health care services, including injections, which were never provided.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Jan. 6, 2017 at 9 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentence, the court released Dr. Rossi on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the Information in this case.

Updated September 1, 2016

Topic
Health Care Fraud