Pittsburgh Psychiatrist Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud, Illegally Distributing Oxycodone

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh doctor pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, and health care fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Dr. Kenneth M. Stanko, 67, pleaded guilty to the two felony counts before United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone.

According to information presented to the Court at the guilty plea, Stanko, a medical doctor, illegally distributed a controlled substance, Oxycodone, for cash. Further, Stanko submitted false claims to be submitted to UPMC Health Plan and AETNA for prescriptions which were outside the usual course of practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for May 24, 2016, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000 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.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Information in this case.