Dr. Michael Lucchesi, the former chairman of SUNY Downstate Medical Center's emergency medicine department, pleaded guilty to stealing $1.4 million using a clinical practice credit card. Over several years, he charged personal expenses, including travel, luxury pet care, and gym memberships. The theft was discovered during an internal audit, leading to criminal charges. He faces a prison sentence of one to three years and is required to repay $720,000 to the hospital and the state tax department, with sentencing set for August 2025.
Dr. Michael Lucchesi exploited his role in the SUNY Downstate Medical Center, stealing $1.4 million through unauthorized credit card charges for personal expenses, including travel and luxury pet care.
The defendant's guilty plea marks a significant acknowledgment of his breach of trust, using his esteemed position in a healthcare institution to steal from taxpayers and the medical center.
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