Fazal Panezai, MD, faced up to 10 years in prison for coordinating a years-long fraud scheme from 2017 to 2022. His New Jersey medical license has already been permanently revoked.

The New Jersey doctor already admitted to collecting more than $1.9 million in false claims from 2017 to 2022. He is also under investigation for an unrelated charge of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact due to an alleged incident with a patient.

The 63-year-old doctor was arrested on charges of sexual battery, battery and simple assault on Oct. 30. 

“You hurt our society," the judge said as he announced the sentencing in front of a packed courtroom. "It is a darker place because of you.” 

The suit, which includes multiple accusations of malpractice and dishonest behavior, is just the latest chapter of a story that has been making headlines for years. 

The FTC alleges that pharmacy benefit managers have set up a system where they get rich, while patients are forced to pay rising insulin costs. The agency also called out drug manufacturers such as Eli Lilly, Sanofi and Novo Nordisk, saying their own actions have raised serious concerns.

According to Oregon Heart Center, an independent cardiology practice, Salem Health is attempting to "monopolize cardiology care" in the area. The two providers had previously coexisted for years. 

The Washington cardiologist, who also served as a colonel in the U.S. Army, will be sentenced in November. Prosecutors and his defense team have recommended he receive 31 months in prison.