Macon Doctor Indicted for Bankruptcy Fraud

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Dr. George Robert Vito, who formerly practiced as a podiatrist in Macon, Georgia, was indicted April 11, 2013 on four counts of bankruptcy fraud, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 152(2).

The indictment alleges that Dr. Vito committed bankruptcy fraud by making false statements under oath by filing documents in his Chapter 7 bankruptcy case which were signed by him under penalty of perjury but intentionally omitted certain financial affairs, including Dr. Vito’s financial interests, control, and ownership of a number of corporations. Dr. Vito is also charged with bankruptcy fraud for filing an amendment to statement of financial affairs schedule in his bankruptcy case which intentionally omitted certain assets including cash, income, furniture, jewelry, real property, and corporations.

The indictment further alleges that Dr. Vito knowingly and fraudulently made a false oath in his bankruptcy case by falsely asserting that his bankruptcy petition and supporting documents were true and correct. He is also charged with bankruptcy fraud by making a false oath for providing false testimony at the creditor’s meeting in connection with his Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition.

An indictment is only an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial. An initial appearance hearing will be scheduled by the court.

If convicted, Dr. Vito faces a maximum penalty on each count of five years’ imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and $100 mandatory assessment fee.

This case was the result of a joint investigation with the United States Bankruptcy Trustee and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Verda Colvin is prosecuting the case for the government.