A Tucson orthodontist, Dr. Andrew L. Kassman and his wife, Laurie Ann Kassman, have been indicted by a federal grand jury on a seven-count indictment for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud.
Dr. Kassman was the former owner of a Tucson orthodontics practice. After selling the practice, Dr. Kassman and his wife continued as employees for the new owner. Dr. Kassman worked as an orthodontist, and Dr. Kassman’s wife continued as the office manager. The indictment alleges that, after the sale, Dr. Kassman kept his business bank account open. The Kassmans then engaged in an embezzlement scheme in which they diverted funds that belonged to the practice without the new owner’s knowledge or consent. To conceal the scheme, Laurie Kassman manipulated financial records in the practice’s record keeping system. The Kassmans embezzled at least $73,000.
A conviction for either charge – Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud or Wire Fraud – carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.