30-year Anesthesiologist case overturned life rebuilding process begins
Somerset, Kentucky – – – – July 29, 2021 ——- Dr. Ezekiel Akande was a well-respected anesthesiologist, who specialized in pain medicine and treated acute and longstanding pain problems, in Somerset, Kentucky, a small city located at the eastern end of Kentucky’s Mississippian Plateau, in Pulaski County, Kentucky, with a population of a little over 11,000. The doctor was actively involved in his community, giving to numerous charities, churches, and was a big supporter of autism.
LIFE CHANGING EVENT
In April 2017, the doctor’s life was turned upside down after he was convicted in a Pulaski County Circuit trial, on charges of Theft By Unlawful Taking and Medical Assistance Program Fraud. A formal judgement was entered on May 11, 2020.
CONVICTION OVERTURNED
That conviction was overturned in November 2018 by the Kentucky Court of Appeals on the basis that the prosecution failed to show intent that Akande intentionally defrauded Medicaid or knew that his billing service was in error. The Court stated, “no reasonable jury could convince him of Medicaid fraud” because it was not proven that Akande intended to defraud the government. His defense council argued that medical software glitches caused incorrect codes to be entered by his billing company. The appellate court said that the State had not introduced proof that Akande reviewed the bills, nor did he have the duty to review those bills.
THE REBUILDING PROCESS BEGINS
Now the doctor must put his life back together. As the father of two girls 20 and 18, along with a 16-year-old son, the doctor remains on supervised release for a total period of up to three years. Born in Nigeria, then receiving his medical degree from the University of Ibadan, the oldest degree awarding institution in Nigeria, the doctor is now speaking about his experience and the process he has taken to rebuild his life.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
For an interview with Dr. Ezekiel Akande, contact:
Tom Letizia
Or call 702-545-8777
