Embezzling Cardiologists Face Prison, Fines
Two New Jersey cardiologists who took nearly $900,000 through so-called “no-show” jobs at the New Jersey University of Medicine and Dentistry are facing $250,000 in fines and up to ten years in prison each for their embezzlement. The doctors, Bakul Desai, and Laxmipathi Garipalli, were each paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for their jobs, which required them to do nothing whatsoever. Apparently, the doctors did nothing other than refer cardiac patients to the hospital.
No-show jobs and embezzlement are two illustrations of white-collar crimes that could lead to big penalties, incarceration, loss of professional licenses, and other damage to the reputation. Embezzlement occurs when an individual uses dishonest means to acquire money. In this case, the doctors were expected to perform an actual service in exchange for their salaries. They did not, but pocketed the money even though they never showed up to their high-powered jobs.
Though it is commonly expected that New Jersey white-collar criminals are punished in different fashion than those convicted of violent crimes, many convicted white-collar criminals these days do time alongside hardened criminals. White-collar sentences are on the rise, and white-collar crimes are investigated and prosecuted with more vigor then ever. Increasingly draconian white-collar punishments were created with one aim in mind – to serve as a deterrent against offenses like the ones Desai and Garipalli apparently committed.
The potential damage to a professional and personal reputation from a simple white-collar accusation should not be underestimated. In order to make savvy legal decisions, any person under investigation or prosecution for a white-collar crime like embezzlement or a no-show job should arm themselves with the best possible attorney. The right white-collar lawyer is aggressive, experienced, and has total commitment to their clients. Have you been accused of a New Jersey white-collar crime like embezzlement? You have limited time to act. Contact Lependorf Silverstein today for a free case consultation.
