Two county residents sentenced in nursing home kickback scheme

A federal judge has sentenced two Hamilton County residents for their part in kickback schemes involving nursing homes.

Josh Burkhart, 42, Fishers, brother of the former American Senior Communities CEO who orchestrated the schemes, was sentenced to four months in prison, two years of supervised release and $420,000 in restitution.

American Senior Communities former CEO, James Burkhart, 51, Carmel, was sentenced in June to nearly 10 years for his role in the schemes that operated from January 2009 to September 2015. The company’s former CFO also has been sentenced. American Senior Communities operates about 70 nursing homes.

Federal prosecutors have said those involved in the scheme have personally pocketed millions in kickbacks and fraudulent overcharges.