Amarillo orthodontist pleads guilty in Medicaid fraud case

An Amarillo orthodontist pleaded guilty Thursday to bilking the Texas Medicaid Program out of more than $1 million by charging for services he never provided, a scheme patients and former employees likened to “herding cattle.”

Michael David Goodwin, 63, owner of Goodwin Orthodontics, 3629 Wolflin Ave., pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of health care fraud. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Prosecutors alleged that Goodwin frequently billed the government for work he never performed, federal court records show. Goodwin will be sentenced after authorities complete a presentencing investigation.

“The fraudulent conduct of Goodwin resulted into significant payments to him by the Texas Medicaid Program,” federal court records show. “The gross proceeds resulting for the scheme or artifice to defraud is at least $1 million.”

More at http://amarillo.com/news/2012-12-13/amarillo-orthodontist-pleads-guilty-bilking-medicare-more-1m .