Fugitive Doctor Returns to Pa.

A western Pennsylvania doctor wanted on health care fraud and income tax charges was scheduled to appear before a federal magistrate in Johnstown after more than eight years out of the country.

Sixty-four-year-old Dr. William Acosta was arrested in Panama last month and has been in a federal detention center in Ohio ever since.

Acosta was a neurologist who formerly practiced in Johnstown before he fled to the Dominican Republic when he learned federal authorities were investigating him.

According to a criminal complaint filed in early 2008, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General concluded that Acosta was overbilling private insurance companies and Medicare for services not rendered. The Internal Revenue Service then concluded that Acosta didn't properly report his income.

Acosta's attorney hasn't commented on the charges.

Copyright The Associated Press
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