Judge Rejects Plea Deal For Doctor Who Performed Unnecessary Spinal Surgeries
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A judge has rejected a plea deal instead of sentencing a Detroit area doctor who admits he hurt patients and cheated insurers through fraudulent spinal surgeries.
Federal Judge Paul Borman turned down an agreement Friday that calculated Dr. Aria Sabit's likely prison sentence somewhere between 9 years and 11 years.
It means Sabit will go to trial unless prosecutors and the defense come up with a deal that satisfies the judge.
Former patients, including Ronald Reinhart — who ended up with a permanent spinal injury after seeing the doctor — are upset.
"I'm highly disappointed," he told reporters at the courthouse Friday.
"I have faith that our system will eventually get him, and hopefully he'll get the time that he rightfully deserves: life — because that's what he gave me. He's given me a life sentence of being like this," Reinhart said. "I have no hope of getting better."
Reinhart ended up with a permanent spinal injury after seeing the doctor.
Sabit had pleaded guilty to fraud, acknowledging that he performed unnecessary or improper surgeries that caused serious injury. He said he also got kickbacks in Ventura, California, for using certain implants.
Sabit moved to the Detroit area in 2011 while he was under investigation by regulators in California.
Sabit's lawyer says his client is remorseful.
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