United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today, May 12, 2008, that on May 9, 2008, Roberto Michienzi, a resident of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, was sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh on his conviction for health care fraud.

 United States District Judge Gary L. Lancaster imposed a sentence of three years probation on Michienzi, age 36.  Michienzi was also ordered to pay restitution of $44,000 to insurance companies for their losses in the case.

According to information presented to the court by Assistant United States Attorney James Y. Garrett, Michienzi submitted fraudulent claims for dental care to insurance companies including Highmark, in a scheme involving his dental practice in Pittsburgh beginning in 1996 and ending in March 2001.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Lancaster stated that while Michienzi's crime was serious, the sentence was based on the relatively small loss, and his cooperation with the government in its investigation.

Ms. Buchanan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Michienzi.