Atlanta, GA - TOTADA R. SHANTHAVEERAPPA, M.D., a/k/a "T.R. Shantha, M.D.," 73, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Richard W. Story on charges of health care fraud.

United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said of the case, “This defendant defrauded the health care system and posed a threat to the public health, safety, and welfare by treating patients with unapproved procedures and drugs. He then submitted bills to the patient’s insurance companies that disguised and mischaracterized the types of treatments and drugs he actually used. Health care fraud raises the price of health care for all citizens, and when perpetrated through the use of unapproved drugs and treatments, it poses a risk to patients.”

SHANTHA was sentenced to five years probation to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to forfeit and pay restitution in the amount of $650,000.00. SHANTHA pleaded guilty to these charges on October 30, 2007.

According to United States Attorney Nahmias and the information presented in court: SHANTHA was a physician who practiced medicine in the State of Georgia from 1972 until his license was suspended by the Georgia Board of Medical Examiners on December 23, 2005. Prior to the suspension, SHANTHA owned and operated a medical clinic in Stockbridge, Georgia, which did business under the names "Integrated Medical Specialists" and "Integrated Chemotherapy Specialists." SHANTHA advertised that his clinic practiced "safe and effective, nontoxic, scientifically-based alternative” medicine and could “cure or control most cancer and other chronic disease." SHANTHA pleaded guilty to defrauding health insurance companies by submitting false and misleading claims for payment, which disguised the types of drugs and treatments that he provided to patients.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the FBI and the FDA.

Assistant United States Attorneys Randy S. Chartash and J. Russell Phillips prosecuted the case.

For further information please contact David E. Nahmias (pronounced NAH-me-us), United States Attorney, or Charysse L. Alexander, Executive Assistant United States Attorney, through Patrick Crosby, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Attorney's Office, at (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the HomePage for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is www.usdoj.gov/usao/gan .