A former DePuy Synthes (Johnson & Johnson) sales representative was indicted this week for allegedly defrauding a Boston-area hospital. He is accused of having falsely documented invoices sent to the hospital billing department claiming to have sold spinal products more expensive than they bought and in larger quantities. As a result, the hospital was substantially overbilled and the sales representative received higher commissions for products that he did not actually sell.
Furthermore, a release on the case from the Department of Justice alleges that the he also interfered with the hospital’s sterilization processes. According to the claim, he allegedly brought unsterile DePuy spinal implants into an operating room for a surgeon to use. The sales rep allegedly made false statements to federal authorities about his actions that day and in the months leading up to it.
DePuy Synthes maintains that claims against the company itself regarding the matter have been resolved.
In total, he has indicted on eight counts of wire fraud and one count of making material false statements. He was arrested on June 26 and released on conditions following his arraignment. If found guilty, the sales rep faces prison time and a minimum fine of $250,000 for wire fraud and another $250,000 for making false statements.The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.