Runner Tied to Chiropractic Clinics and Lawyers in Auto Insurance Crackdown GEORGIA: Leo Lopez, a 26-year-old man from Haverhill. was arrested on charges of arranging accidents on paper that never actually occurred. He subsequently pleaded not guilty. It was reported that this man fulfilled his duty as a runner by arranging accidents and working out the paperwork between victims, then delivering them to lawyers and chiropractors, who would compensate him for his work. It is uncertain how many accidents Lopez coordinated, however it is anticipated that his activities reached into many area law offices and chiropractic clinics of this everyday "all American" type town. This development is the product of the city's crackdown on auto insurance fraud that has developed over the past three years. The accused was arrested on the date marking three years from the time a 65-year-old woman died in a staged auto accident. 185 people have been charged up to this point in time. Eagle- Tribune, com Undercover Operatives Busts New Jersey Chiropractor NEW JERSEY: An Essex County chiropractor was charged with conspiring to commit, as well as actually perpetrating, health care claims fraud, in a $19.000 automobile insurance case, according to state officials. Eugene Williams, also known as Carroll E. Williams, 69, was charged with conspiracy and health care claims fraud, both in the second degree. Under state law, crimes of the second degree carry a maximum punishment of ten years in state prison and a criminal fine of $150.000. In addition. Williams faces civil insurance fraud fines. The suit claims that Williams billed Parkway Insurance Company for chiropractic and other services that were never rendered—to undercover investigators. InsuranceJournal. com Chiropractor Caught Stealing Narcotics from a Patient WISCONSIN: James A. Wilke. a Menomonee Falls chiropractor, was identified by a hidden camera, while stealing prescription narcotics from one of his patients at her home and was subsequently charged with misdemeanor theft. Wilke insisted on coming to the woman's house repeatedly on the pretense of helping her with her back pain, at which point he would put her hydrocodone pills in his pocket. The suspicious patient caught him red-handed by rigging a camera to keep an eve on him when she was out of the room. Wilke claimed that the prescription pills he had been using were simply not strong enough. He was charged in early September with two counts of misdemeanor theft. Conviction on each count carries a maximum $ 10.000 fine and a maximum penalty of nine months in prison. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Chiropractor Convicted for Peddling Painkillers PENNSYLVANIA: Chiropractor Charles W. Theisler of Austintown was sentenced to three years in prison and fined more than $200.000 for peddling painkillers. Theisler was one of three ultimately convicted, in addition to a 74-year-old medical doctor, recently deceased, who was accused of writing over 100 pre-signed prescriptions for a former office partner, and another medical doctor that was sentenced to serve probation and pay a $5,000 fine in addition to $95,000 in restitution for drug-possession. Vindy.com Peoria Chiropractor Loses License ILLINOIS: The group responsible for suspending the license of a Peoria chiropractor says they feel better knowing Kevin McCarthy won't be practicing anymore. His license was suspended due to citizen complaints saying he confessed to using crack cocaine for about two years. A representative from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation said they heard testimony from several people that suggested he was impaired during practice, and a danger to his patients. www. hoinews. com DC Indicted for Possession of Guns and Grenades FLORIDA: James J. Parsons, a 67-year-old Miami chiropractor who claimed to be retiring to Montana, was convicted of possession of machine guns, machine gun parts, ammunition and three live hand grenades in a rented moving van. Parsons allegedly refused to allow authorities to inspect the truck when requested, and stated that the items in the truck were household items. A police dog called to the scene detected narcotics, and officers cut the lock off the truck after Parsons again refused to allow them to search it. Immediately inside the truck was a duffel bag containing an empty gun case and large knife. If convicted. Parsons could face a maximum sentence often years in prison and a $250.000.00 fine. Siouxcityjoumal.com I Pass on the information to warn other D. C. 's about events that are really happening to chiropractors. When you see a "yellow page " article in your local, regional, or national newspaper about chiropractic or a fellow chiropractor, fax, e-mail or mail it to us at TAC. For further information, fax: 1-305-716-9212 or see page 4 for our mailing address.
