Anchorage Dentist Seth Lookhart Convicted of Medical Assistance Fraud, Illegal Practice of Dentistry, Reckless Endangerment

The Alaska Department of Law, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), announces that in a verdict issued today by Superior Court Judge Michael Wolverton, following a five-week bench trial, Seth Lookhart was convicted of 46 counts of felony Medical Assistance Fraud, felony Scheme to Defraud, and misdemeanor counts of Illegal Practice of Dentistry, and Reckless Endangerment. Judge Wolverton also found Lookhart's corporation "Lookhart Dental LLC, d/b/a Clear Creek Dental," guilty of all 40 counts alleged against it. Lookhart's office manager, Shauna Cranford, had previously pled guilty to all of the conduct underlying the counts pursuant to a plea agreement. Judge Wolverton found that the State's evidence was "simply overwhelming" as to each count. The prosecution acknowledges the many law enforcement agencies and civilians who assisted in the prosecution of this case, especially the former patients who testified during the trial. The State extends a special thanks to the "hoverboard video" patient, the patient whose teeth were pulled out without consent, and the patient who was forced to repeatedly return to Lookhart for remedial care. The State acknowledges the thorough work of the federal agents with the federal Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, who provided substantial litigation assistance with this case. The prosecution also expresses thanks to the agents of the FBI Anchorage Field Office, the federal DEA, the State Department of Health and Social Services, the six doctors who provided extensive testimony at trial, and the many, many hours spent by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit's investigators and staff. The State extends a special thanks to Dr. Eric Nordstrom for his many hours of hard work as the State's primary expert in this case.

Read more on www.law.state.ak.us

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