Chiropractor waives felony fraud charges
Published: 2009-04-11 18:58:22
Author: COULTER JONES, Citizens Voice, February 10, 2009
WILKES-BARRE — A Mountain Top chiropractor, who prosecutors say defrauded patients and insurance companies out of nearly $35,000 over five years, waived charges during a preliminary hearing Monday in Central Court.
Michael J. Spiccioli, 40, of 6 Autumn Drive, now faces three third-degree felonies — one count insurance fraud, one count theft by deception and one count receiving stolen property — after waiving the hearing.
He is scheduled to appear in Luzerne County Court on April 9 for the charges.
Spiccioli was charged in December with 28 counts of insurance fraud and 17 counts each of theft and receiving stolen property following an investigation by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Task. Spiccioli overbilled at least 20 patients by charging for appointments that didn’t occur or services that weren’t provided, according to arrest papers. In doing so, he defrauded at least 12 different insurance companies of at least $34,984, arrest papers state.
“This
is a waiver in anticipation that there will be a plea,” said Deputy
District Attorney Paul Ware, who is prosecuting the case. “Hopefully,
we’re just going to be able to try and figure out the dollar and cents
now.”
Spiccioli didn’t admit guilt by signing the waiver, nor did he enter into any sort of plea agreement. Spiccioli didn’t speak after his hearing. His attorney, Demetrius Fannick, said they have discussed the charges with prosecutors.
Full story
Published: 2009-04-11 18:58:22
Author: COULTER JONES, Citizens Voice, February 10, 2009
WILKES-BARRE — A Mountain Top chiropractor, who prosecutors say defrauded patients and insurance companies out of nearly $35,000 over five years, waived charges during a preliminary hearing Monday in Central Court.
Michael J. Spiccioli, 40, of 6 Autumn Drive, now faces three third-degree felonies — one count insurance fraud, one count theft by deception and one count receiving stolen property — after waiving the hearing.
He is scheduled to appear in Luzerne County Court on April 9 for the charges.
Spiccioli was charged in December with 28 counts of insurance fraud and 17 counts each of theft and receiving stolen property following an investigation by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Task. Spiccioli overbilled at least 20 patients by charging for appointments that didn’t occur or services that weren’t provided, according to arrest papers. In doing so, he defrauded at least 12 different insurance companies of at least $34,984, arrest papers state.
Spiccioli didn’t admit guilt by signing the waiver, nor did he enter into any sort of plea agreement. Spiccioli didn’t speak after his hearing. His attorney, Demetrius Fannick, said they have discussed the charges with prosecutors.
Full story