After spending nearly 10 months in prison, Richard "Nate" Schott, DDS, was released amid the pandemic to finish his sentence at home, according to The Daily News Journal.
The former Murfreesboro, Tenn.-based dentist had received a 33-month prison term for his role in a $1 million healthcare fraud scheme. Prosecutors said Dr. Schott had employees submit false claims between November 2013 and January 2018. The dentist pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, surrendered his dental license and faced $14,000 in civil penalties. His punishment also includes paying $956,449 in restitution.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons agreed to place Dr. Schott in community confinement after he completed a rehabilitation program amid the pandemic, according to his attorney David Raybin.
"I believe this was a humanitarian gesture," Mr. Raybin told The Daily News Journal. "Chances of contracting COVID are much higher if you are in prison. He was an exemplary inmate."
Dr. Schott must wear an ankle bracelet and report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons' Nashville Residential Reentry Management Office whenever he leaves his house.
"I'm readjusting to my life and putting my life back together, and I'm at home with my family," said Dr. Schott, adding that he has been working in construction since returning.