NJ Doctor Admits Role in Kickback Scheme

Federal authorities say another New Jersey doctor has admitted taking part in an illegal kickback scheme involving more than a dozen health care providers.

The U.S. Attorney's office says Daisy Deguzman of Livingston pleaded guilty Monday to violating a federal health care program anti-kickback statute. She could face up to five years in prison when she's sentenced Sept. 13.

Prosecutors say the 69-year-old Deguzman, who practiced in Newark, admitted taking nearly $4,000 in cash in exchange for making patient referrals.

She was among 15 doctors and health care providers charged in December with taking illegal kickbacks of more than $50,000 to refer patients to the Orange Community MRI radiology and diagnostic facility in Orange.

Deguzman is the third defendant to plead guilty.

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