Former Chiropractor Convicted of Theft and Unlicensed Practice

June 10, 2010

CONTACT: Kate Simmons 207-626-8577

Attorney General Janet T. Mills announced today that former chiropractor Ted T. Stokes of Greene pled guilty to one count of theft by deception and one count of unlicensed practice for providing chiropractic services after his license was revoked. Stokes?s license was revoked in September 2008. Despite receiving numerous warnings, he continued to be a practicing chiropractor and he billed MaineCare, Medicare, and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield a total of $14,339.52 for his services.

Stokes was sentenced to 364 days of imprisonment, with all but 22 days suspended, and one year of probation with conditions on the theft by deception charge. He received a concurrent sentence of 22 days of imprisonment on the unlicensed practice charge. Stokes was also ordered to pay $14,339.52 total in restitution.

?Practicing chiropractic without a license puts patients? health and well being at risk,? stated Attorney General Mills. ?We will not permit any medical professional to practice without a license and then bill the state or health insurers for their services.?

The case was investigated by Detective James Gioia of the Maine Office of Attorney General?s Healthcare Crimes Unit, with assistance from Tom Avery, Investigator for the Board of Chiropractic Licensure and Special Agent Brian Pellerin, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. Mr. Stokes was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Michael Miller, Director of the Attorney General?s Healthcare Crimes Unit.

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