Knoxville — Christina A. Boosalis, 50, of Knoxville, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit insurance fraud this morning and was sentenced to two years' probation.
According to Boosalis, to be guilty of this crime, she accepted 50 prescription tablets from Katheryne Jean Todd prior to leaving for a vacation between Feb. 12, 2010, and March 8, 2012. She said she accepted the tablets, only to expect that Todd would write her a new prescription, upon Boosalis' return, that would include the excess tablets. Boosalis would then obtain the pills with the prescription, and return the 50 "loaned" to Todd.
"I assumed she would just write a bigger script," Boosalis told Judge Martha Mertz in Marion County District Court. Boosalis said she knew this would be billed to her insurance, which constitutes fraud.
"The details hadn't been worked out," Boosalis said. Todd apparently tried to fill a prescription she had written for Boosalis while Boosalis was gone. Boosalis said she was unaware that Todd planned to do this.
"I didn't know she was going to try to fill a prescription," Boosalis said.
Assistant County Attorney Tiffany Kragnes told Mertz that the State had reached an agreement with Boosalis and her attorney, Jim Cook, in exchange for the guilty plea. The agreement indicated that the State would recommend a deferred judgment, two years' probation and the dropping of a controlled substance violation charge.
After accepting Boosalis' guilty plea, Mertz followed the plea agreement. If Boosalis successfully completes her probation, this case will be expunged from her record.
"My client is a longtime resident of this area," Cook said. "She has never been in trouble before."
In addition to the probation, Boosalis was ordered to pay court costs, a $750 civil penalty and her probation supervision fees. Boosalis had posted a $15,000 cash bond previously, and her attorney indicated that her financial obligations to the court would be paid today.
Mertz told Boosalis to be sure to follow the rules of her probation. If Boosalis is unsuccessful, the deferred judgment could be revoked and she could face up to five years in prison.
"The court believes this will give you the maximum opportunity for rehabilitation," Mertz said.
Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama
Fans Cheer Dramatic Heat Comeback
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Hoffa Mystery Still Fascinates After 4 Decades
Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Raw: Obama Arrives in Berlin
3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter
Obama Seeks G-8 Support on Syria
Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City
Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
Suicide Bombs Target Baghdad Mosque, Killing 29
Military Plans to Put Women in Combat Jobs
Solar Power Chargers in NYC Parks
Civil Rights Groups Sue NYPD Over Muslim Spying
Raw: First Lady, Daughters Enjoy Irish Sights
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Boeing, Airbus Battle for Sales Supremacy
