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Rhode Island hospital facing corruption charges

Compliance Monitor, January 11, 2006

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Roger Williams Medical Center in Rhode Island is facing federal corruption charges. A grand jury issued a 38-count indictment against the hospital and three employees, including its president, on Friday, according to the Providence Journal.

The indictment alleges that the hospital put Rhode Island senator John A. Celona on its payroll in an attempt to get him to represent their interests at the State House. The indictment named the hospital President Robert Urciuoli, who was charged with 37 counts of honest services mail fraud and one count of conspiracy. A former president of The Village at Elmhurst assisted-living center, Peter Sangermano Jr. faced the same charges and a former Roger Williams vice-president, Frances P. Driscoll was charged with one count of conspiracy and one of honest services mail fraud.

All three individuals deny the charges and said they will fight to prove their innocence, according to the Journal.

If convicted on conspiracy charges these individuals could face up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Mail fraud carries charges of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The hospital itself could fact penalties of $500,000 per count and be put on probation for five years. Celona, who is said to be cooperating with the investigation, is also being investigated for his dealings with the CVS drugstore chain and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, according to the Journal.

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