May 30, 2014

Cancer Research Doctor Charged with Theft and Mail Fraud

Steven W. Johnson, Ph.D., 49, of Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, was charged yesterday by indictment with mail fraud and theft from a program receiving federal funds, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. The charges arise from his misuse of federal funds for cancer research to conduct a for-profit business while he was employed as a researcher by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 210 years’ imprisonment, a three-year period of supervised release and a $2.75 million fine.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karen L. Grigsby.

An indictment or information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.