EL PASO, Texas — A former Army surgeon in Texas has been sentenced to 2½ years in federal prison in a $7.3 million health care scam linked to consulting.
Dr. Richard Craig Rooney of Medina, Washington, was sentenced Friday in El Paso.
Rooney was a lieutenant colonel and worked at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso and Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood. The physician in January pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting acts affecting a personal financial interest.
Prosecutors say the 46-year-old Rooney, while in the service, recommended the military use surgical products from certain companies. Rooney did not disclose having a financial interest in the companies and being a consultant to the firms.
Rooney must also forfeit nearly $4.3 million and pay a $15,000 fine.
