Chiropractor Admits Destroying Patient Records

Federal prosecutors say a northwestern New Jersey chiropractor has admitted destroying patient appointment records sought by federal agents investigating potential billing fraud at her medical office.
 
Mary Jean Negri of Lafayette pleaded guilty Wednesday to obstructing an investigation of a health care offense. The 57-year-old Negri faces five years in prison when she's sentenced Sept. 29.
 
Prosecutors say Negri, a licensed chiropractor and registered nurse in New Jersey, has owned the Lafayette Hilltop Chiropractic Center for 24 years. In May 2012, she discovered the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office were investigating the business for potentially fraudulent billing practices.
 
Negri suspected investigators were interested in obtaining the center's patient appointment books as evidence of potential fraud. In an effort to obstruct the government's investigation, she discarded those books.