Ex-Va. rescue squad leader sentenced in fraud case

ABINGDON, Va. (AP) — A former president of the Saltville Rescue Squad will spend four years in prison for defrauding Medicare and a private insurer.

Sixty-one-year-old Eddie Wayne Louthian also must pay $907,000 in restitution.

The Bristol Herald Courier (http://bit.ly/ZzIvWt ) reports that Louthian was sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Abingdon.

A federal jury convicted Louthian on health care fraud and perjury charges in September 2012. The jury acquitted the rescue squad of similar charges, and acquitted Louthian of money laundering charges.

Prosecutors say Louthian fraudulently billed Medicare and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield for transporting patients who didn't qualify for the service.

___

Information from: Bristol Herald Courier, http://www.bristolnews.com