Another Doctor Admits To Role In N.J. Bribes-For-Test Referrals Scheme
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Another doctor pleaded Wednesday guilty in a long-running bribes-for-test referrals scheme involving a northern New Jersey firm.
Dr. Anthony DelPiano, 53, of Monmouth Junction, was the 24th physician to plead guilty in the case. He admitted Wednesday to accepting bribes, and he faces up to five years in prison upon his sentencing hearing May 12.
He and also will forfeit $204,475 he received in the scheme.
Prosecutors said DelPiano, who has practices in Jersey City, got the bribes from Parsippany-based Biodiagnostic Laboratory Services in exchange for test referrals. DelPiano was paid about $2,300 per month and his referrals generated at least $1,752,603 in lab business for the company, prosecutors said.
Thirty-five people -- including the 24 physicians -- have pleaded guilty in connection with the bribery scheme. Its organizers have admitted the scheme involved millions of dollars in bribes and resulted in more than $100 million in payments to the company from Medicare and various private insurance companies.
The investigation has recovered more than $10.5 million so far through forfeiture.
Several people connected with the lab have pleaded guilty, including president and part-owner David Nicoll and his brother, Scott, a senior employee.
(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
