Doctor Accused Of Fraud Might Not Live To Trial
HAMMOND, Ind. (CBS) -- A former pediatrician set to go on trial in January for Medicaid and Medicare fraud is suffering from terminal lung cancer and could die in the next few months.
Jihad Kasim was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer earlier this year and the former Merrillville, Ind., pediatrician's health continues to deteriorate, according to court records.
His lawyer has filed a motion to continue Kasim's Jan. 4 trial, stating that Kasim's health has gotten worse and that he has to use a wheelchair.
Kasim is accused of billing Medicare and Medicaid for services he never provided. His case faced numerous delays as lawyers argued over whether he was mentally able to go forward with a trial.
He was originally released on bond but was arrested again a year ago when local police claimed he drove his car into his ex-girlfriend's house in Valparaiso then led police on a chase. He was ordered held without bond, but he asked this summer to be released again, this time to his brother in Texas, because of his health.
U.S. District Judge Philip Simon denied the request and Kasim has remained in jail since then.
The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.
