Medicaid Fraud Sentence Suspended for Optometrist

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - A former optometrist has received a suspended sentence on charges of committing Medicaid fraud.

Circuit Court Judge Janine Kern suspended the execution of a 15-year-old prison sentence for 60-year-old Cary Stephen Feldman of Spearfish on several conditions.

Feldman must serve 180 days in jail, serve 300 hours of community service and pay more than $363,000 in restitution to Medicaid and Medicare.

Attorney General Marty Jackley says Feldman turned over a $157,000 coin collection and paid an additional $80,000, bringing the amount owed down to about $126,000.

Feldman pleaded guilty in October to grand theft by deception and making false claims after reaching a deal with state prosecutors. He acknowledged submitting claims to Medicaid and Medicare for consultation services he didn't provide from late 2008 to early 2012.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Material may not be redistributed.