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U.S. Attorneys » Northern District of Ohio » News
Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that William Bauer, 85, of Port Clinton, Ohio, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary to 5 years in prison and was ordered to pay $464,099.14 in restitution, of which $253,300.55 will be paid to Medicare and $210,798.59 to Medicaid. In addition, Judge Zouhary ordered Bauer to pay $100,000 in community restitution. The community restitution will be distributed 65% to the Ohio Attorney General, Crime Victim Services Section, and 35% to the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services. The Court strongly recommended that the community restitution amount goes to the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Wyandot Counties.
Judge Zouhary pronounced the sentence after Bauer was convicted at trial of 76 counts of distribution of controlled substances and 25 counts of health care fraud.
“This defendant unnecessarily distributed dangerous and highly addictive controlled substances and repeatedly ignored warning signs that his actions were causing detrimental harm to his patients and the community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “No matter your title, those who flood the streets with dangerous drugs and prey upon vulnerable individuals will answer for their actions.”
“Criminal misconduct within the healthcare system is harmful and destructive,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “Not only does healthcare fraud impact insurers through monetary loss, but also to physicians, hospitals, and taxpayers who were unwitting participants to the deceitful actions. We will continue to work diligently to uncover fraudulent schemes that risk public health.”
“The sentencing of William Bauer demonstrates our commitment to stopping those who fuel the opioid epidemic,” said Kent R. Kleinschmidt, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Detroit Field Division. “Medical professionals who disregard their oath and instead seek to profit at the expense of their patients and community will be brought to justice.”