Frewsburg Man Pleads Guilty To Health Care Fraud

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
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BUFFALO, N.Y.- Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Leo A. Kronert, Jr., 66, of Frewsburg, NY, pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Maura K. O’Donnell, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant, then a full time teacher at Salamanca High School and a part time chiropractor in Salamanca, NY, submitted false claims for payment to Medicare and private insurance companies seeking reimbursement for health care services allegedly provided in connection with his chiropractic practice. The fraudulent claims totaled approximately $92,000, and included bills for patient visits on dates during which Kronert was travelling out of the area, and bills for an individual who did not reside in Western New York.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Adam S. Cohen, Special Agent in Charge and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Scott Lampert.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 28, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Vilardo.