United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today, May 14, 2008, that Gregory L. Jovanelly, a resident of Aliquippa, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Health Care Fraud.

Jovanelly, age 43, pleaded guilty to a one-count Information before United States District Judge Terrance F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney Scott W. Brady advised the court that from May 17, 2004 through May 25, 2006, Jovanelly made $94,098 in fraudulent claims to United Concordia Companies, Inc., a health care insurance company specializing in dental insurance, for reimbursement of dental treatments and services to patients, which were either never performed or which were different than the actual dental treatments and services performed by Jovanelly and others in his employ.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for August 15, 2008.  The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gregory L. Jovanelly.