Pocono News Section

Chiropractor Gets Prison Sentence for Fraud

Chiropractor Gets Prison Sentence for Fraud - Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 04:13AM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Thursday May 20 2010
0/ 5 rating

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - A well-known Lackawanna County chiropractor is going to prison.

Stephen Paranich was sentenced Thursday morning in federal court. Last year, investigators accused him of fraud.

Prosecutors say from January 2006 to January 2009, Paranich got away with more than $109,000. As part of his sentence, he'll have to re-pay that money. He will also have to spend five months in prison and another five months on house arrest.

Supporters and former patients of Paranich were in court Thursday to hear the sentence.

"I think it's a little bit harsh," Regina Berghauer of Hawley said. "I think he should have not been sentenced at all, just a fine. I think everybody makes a mistake."

Joseph Dilmore says without Paranich, he wouldn't be able to walk. He was surprised to hear about the charges and the guilty plea.

"It just seems out of character, you know?" Dilmore said. "He's always been very good, a genuine, friendly person."

In court, Paranich told the judge he definately made a mistake. He said it would never happen again. He also said he is not currently practicing.

"Fighting it sometimes makes it worse than if you just say there's a mistake made, just get it done with, over with and get on with my life," Dilmore said.

Paranich could have faced up to five years in prison. Supporters say the hit to Paranich's reputation could be the worst thing.

"I think he's a wonderful doctor. He helped me a lot and I wouldn't go to anybody else," Berghauer said.

Paranich has given up his right to an appeal. He does not have to report to prison until June 30th.