Pa. doctor sentenced to one year in prison for fraud

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A Pennsylvania doctor has been sentenced to one year in prison for fraudulently charging Medicare for services he never rendered.

Dr. John Kristofic of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in January to collecting more than $1 million for the fraudulent claims from 2003 until 2008. He agreed to repay more than $3.3 million, which is the amount required by law.

The 62-year-old Kristofic could have been sentenced to three years in prison. But Chief U.S. District Judge Donetta Ambrose cited the doctor’s work in the community when she sentenced him today.

Dr. Kristofic closed his Penn Hills medical practice May 1.