A central Washington physician was sentenced Wednesday to just over a year in federal prison for altering recalled breathing devices and billing Medicaid for th
A central Washington physician was sentenced Wednesday to just over a year in federal prison for altering recalled breathing devices and billing Medicaid for them as new, federal prosecutors said. Dr.
Eric Edward Haeger, 57, of Brewster, was sentenced March 25 by U.S. District Judge Rebecca L. Pennell to one year and one day in prison, followed by one year of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $60,000 fine and $349,272.79 in restitution after pleading guilty to adulterating and misbranding medical devices with intent to defraud. According to court documents, between July 2021 and July 2023, Haeger purchased more than 500 used and recalled CPAP and BiPAP machines online after a 2021 Philips Respironics recall linked the devices to potential health risks, including toxic or cancer-causing effects.Prosecutors said Haeger and others, including his children, dismantled the devices and attempted to remove defective foam using tools in non-sterile environments before reassembling them. The altered machines were then distributed to Medicaid patients through his clinic, Central Washington Medical Associates. Staff billed Medicaid for the devices as if they were new and in proper working condition, authorities said. The court found that 440 devices were provided to patients and billed for more than $600,000, with Medicaid paying $439,272.79. Officials said the altered devices posed potential health risks, including exposure to harmful particles and possible malfunction due to tampering with FDA-approved designs. At sentencing, Pennell said Haeger’s actions were “ongoing and extensive” and undermined trust in the medical profession. “Dr. Haeger violated the trust of his patients,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano. “He prioritized profit over patient health and safety.”Federal and state investigators, including the FDA, FBI and Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, worked on the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy J. Kelley.A new study published in the journal Environmental Pollution found traces of pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs in several shark species.One person is dead following a shooting on Friday afternoon in the Renton area, the King County Sheriff's Office confirmed.The 14-year-old girl suffered serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital.A major transformation of the interchange at I-90 and Hwy 18 is about to be complete after years of work to create a new diverging diamond. The changes are supp
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