The details of a Colorado spine surgeon's plea deal for alleged bankruptcy fraud are coming to light, according to the Daily Camera Boulder County News.
Here are five things to know:
1. Cathleen Van Buskirk, MD, pled guilty to one count of bankruptcy fraud last week and in exchange for the guilty plea prosecutors dropped additional charges that included concealment of bankruptcy assets and money laundering.
2. The maximum prison time prosecutors will request is 33 months, according to the plea deal; bankruptcy fraud charges usually have a maximum sentence of five years in prison. However, there remains contention between the prosecution and defense on the maximum sentence calculation, as the defense calculates the maximum at 24 months.
3. In addition to the pending prison sentence, Dr. Van Buskirk will be fined the full allowed amount, although there is contention as to whether it will be $60,000, as calculated by the prosecution, or $50,000, as calculated by the defense.
4. Dr. Van Buskirk's sentencing hearing will take place Nov. 28, where a jury will decide jail time.
5. At the moment, Dr. Van Buskirk is free on $150,000 bond, and she is able to stay out of custody until her sentencing hearing in November.
Read more about the case here.