FORMER SOUTH SHORE HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR CHARGED WITH $222,000 FRAUD
BOSTON, MA - A Plymouth man was charged today in federal court with one count of mail fraud.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Robert Bethel, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service announced today that WILLIAM S. BURKE, age 38, of Plymouth, was charged in an Information with one count of knowingly causing the use of the United States mail as part of a scheme to defraud in order to obtain money or property.
The Information alleges that from on or about 2007 through 2009, BURKE used his position as the Administrative Director for South Shore Hospital’s Cardiovascular Center to steal charitable contributions and medical supplier rebates. The Information further alleges that BURKE, whose role included fund-raising for the hospital’s “Dare to C.A.R.E.” educational program, used the mail to solicit and then intercept donations intended for the program. BURKE had allegedly established a bank account into which he deposited the stolen contributions. BURKE also allegedly intercepted rebates from medical suppliers and similarly deposited those funds into his bank account. According to the Information, BURKE stole approximately $222,000.00 in this manner and used the funds to pay various personal bills and miscellaneous personal expenditures. South Shore Hospital employees detected the fraud and reported it to federal law enforcement authorities.
If convicted on this charge, BURKE faces up to 20 years imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul R. Moore of Ortiz's Economic Crimes Unit.
The details contained in the Information are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
