INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The former CEO of a company that operates dozens of Indiana nursing homes has been sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison for his role in kickback schemes involving nearly $20 million.
A federal judge ordered the prison term on Friday for James Burkhart, who pleaded guilty to charges that included conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering
Burkhart was the CEO of American Senior Communities until he was fired soon after federal agents raided his Carmel home in 2015. Prosecutors say Burkhart wasn't satisfied with his $1.4 million salary and ran fraud and kickback schemes that enabled him and three other men to live lavish lifestyles.
Burkhart told the judge he was sorry and described himself as "a destroyed and broken man."
The company provided this statement Friday evening:
American Senior Communities trusted Jim Burkhart and he betrayed that trust as he was removed from his position of CEO of American Senior Communities almost three ago in September 2015.. We are grateful to Josh Minkler, Nick Linder, Cindy Cho and the agents who uncovered his breathtaking web of frauds and brought him to justice. We are grateful to Judge Pratt who was fair and honorable in her sentencing. Mr. Burkhart’s actions have not impacted the high standards of care to the residents who ASC has the privilege to serve. We are pleased to move forward by continuing the tradition of quality care.