FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — A doctor who fled the country amid allegations he overprescribed addictive painkillers has died before he could be sentenced for his federal fraud conviction.
Nicola Tauraso’s personal physician, Dr. Julio Menocal (HOO’-lee-oh MEN’-oh-cahl), says the 81-year-old pediatrician died Sunday from cardiovascular disease at a Frederick nursing home.
His death was first reported by The Frederick News-Post.
Tauraso pleaded guilty in June to billing Medicare and Medicaid for opioids dispensed through fraudulent prescriptions from his pain-management clinic.
The conviction carries a 10-year maximum sentence but prosecutors agreed earlier this month to recommend no prison time due to Tauraso’s failing health.
Tauraso fled in 2010 after the state medical board suspended his license. He was indicted in 2014 and arrested last year as he returned from Panama.