Illinois man in RI court for 'erectile pumps' case

[November 18, 2011]  PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- An Illinois man accused of shipping unwanted "penis enlargers" to diabetes patients as part of a Medicare fraud scheme has pleaded not guilty in an arraignment in federal court in Providence.

Under an agreement with prosecutors, Gary Winner plans to change his plea in a second hearing later Thursday. The deal calls for the 49-year-old Winner to admit he bought $26 penis enlargers from an adult website, repackaged them and shipped them to patients with information claiming the "erectile pumps" helped "bladder control, urinary flow and prostate comfort."

Prosecutors say Winner billed Medicare an average of $284 for each item, claiming they were used to treat erectile dysfunction.

The Northbrook, Ill.-resident has also agreed to forfeit $2 million.

Winner could face up to 33 years in prison.

[Associated Press]

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