Dr. John R. Manning, a medical doctor from Ashland City, Tennessee, has been sentenced to three years in federal prison following his involvement in a health care fraud conspiracy. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.
The indictment against Manning came in July 2022. It included one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and eight counts of health care fraud. In August 2023, he pled guilty to the conspiracy charge. Manning admitted to allegations where he signed medical orders or prescriptions without adequate patient consultations. He did so while working with several "telemedicine" companies, receiving kickbacks and bribes for signing those documents.
Between June 2016 and April 2019, Manning's actions led to the submission of over $41 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare, with more than $19 million paid out. Manning received over $812,000 in kickbacks linked to these orders and prescriptions.
"This doctor ignored his oath to help people and bilked the taxpayers out of almost $20 million," stated Robert E. McGuire. "Now he faces accountability for his actions and the taxpayers get some justice for being taken advantage of."
Kelly Blackmon from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services emphasized the need for health care providers to adhere to legal requirements, stressing ongoing efforts to hold violators responsible. Special Agent Joseph E. Carrico from the FBI highlighted the impact of health care fraud and the agency's commitment to tackling such crimes.
As part of his penalty, Manning must pay $19,780,565.44 in restitution to Medicare and an additional $812,303.41 in criminal forfeiture.
This case was handled by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the FBI, with help from the Cheatham County Sheriff's Office. Prosecutors included Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Levine and Trial Attorney Kathryn Furtado from the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.