Psychiatrist Alfredo Cervantes, Sexed-Up Patient and Billed Her Insurance, Goes to Prison

January 11, 2019

A former Russell County psychiatrist who admitted in October to bilking an insurance company and Medicaid of thousands of dollars received a 7-month prison from a federal judge.

Besides surrendering his medical license, Alfredo Cervantes, 61, must also pay a $25,000 fine plus $3,131 in restitution following his guilty plea on one count of health care and wire fraud, according to court documents.

Cervantes was employed at Russell County Medical Center when prosecutors said he began a sexual relationship with one of his patients and prescribing her medication while never rendering psychiatric care during the period.

"This case involved both unlawful conduct that cheated taxpayers, and unethical conduct that could have compromised the well-being of a patient," said Attorney General Mark Herring in a prepared statement.

Source: "Russell County psychiatrist sentenced to seven months for health care fraud,” WCYB.com, January 9th 2019, URL: http://wcyb.com/news/local/former-russell-county-psychiatrist-sentenced-to-seven-months-for-health-care-fraud