A Manhattan gynecologist has copped to stealing more than $250,000 from Beth Israel Medical Center in exchange for six months in jail.
Lawrence Levitan, 58, of Lawrence, Long Island, was a staff doctor at the First Avenue hospital when he began illegally depositing insurance checks into his personal bank account from February 2010 to September 2012.
“Dr Levitan has been an excellent doctor for thousands of patients for many years,” said defense lawyer Michael Miller after his client pleaded guilty to two counts of grand larceny in Manhattan Supreme Court before Justice Bonnie Wittner on Tuesday.
“He greatly regrets his financial misconduct.”
As part of the plea deal, Levitan must complete 1,000 hours of community service and serve a maximum of six months in jail. He must also pay full restitution of $268,000 to the hospital and approximately $65,000 in back taxes.
Although Levitan made more than $500,000 a year at Beth Israel, he stole the cash to fund luxuries, according to Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Leah Keith.
Levitan allegedly began stealing increased amounts in 2012 to help pay for the opening of his private practice on East 36th Street, which has since closed.
In total, he deposited a whopping 685 separate insurance checks into his personal account.
Levitan went out on medical disability after injuring his wrist.