Ex-dentist with filthy clinics admits to money laundering

A former Oklahoma oral surgeon whose filthy clinics led to thousands of patients being tested for HIV and hepatitis pleaded guilty to money laundering Wednesday tied to allegations that he deposited at least $15,000 of fraudulent Medicaid billings into a personal account.

Wayne Scott Harrington, who had previously pleaded not guilty to the same charge, could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 at a sentencing hearing scheduled for July 14. Harrington also agreed to pay nearly $30,000 in restitution.

As part of the plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Northern District of Oklahoma has agreed to not file additional charges of which it is currently aware against Harrington. Harrington would not be exempt from facing tax-related charges related to the offense. The IRS is not a party to the plea agreement.

Prosecutors say Harrington, 67, billed Medicaid in 2012 for anesthesia services he did not personally administer, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

"Harrington met the requirements and was approved by the Oklahoma Dental Board to administer general anesthesia and deep sedation," the statement reads. "Under Board regulations, a dental assistant cannot, under any circumstances, administer injectable local anesthesia or general anesthesia."

Harrington's two Tulsa-area clinics were shut down in March 2013, and state health officials urged about 7,000 of his current and former patients to be tested for diseases because of unsanitary conditions. Harrington surrendered his license in 2014.

Of 4,202 patients tested, 89 had hepatitis C, five had hepatitis B and four had the virus that causes AIDS.

Harrington's attorney Dan Webber said Wednesday in a statement his client has cooperated with the investigation and accepted responsibility for his conduct regarding the money laundering charge.

"We look forward to telling the Court more about Scott between now and the sentencing hearing," Webber said.