Exec Charged With Stealing From Sick Kids

PHILADELPHIA (CN) - The former general counsel and executive vice president of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was charged Thursday with stealing roughly $1.7 million from the institution.

Roosevelt Hairston Jr., who at one point was responsible for coordinating the hospital's defense against medical malpractice claims, submitted approximately 130 fraudulent invoices to hospital administrators, including invoices for payment of fictitious expert medical witness services, according to the three-count criminal information filed by U.S. Attorney Zane Memeger.

Hairston created eight shell companies and engaged in identity theft to further his elaborate embezzlement scheme, using stolen funds to finance a luxurious lifestyle, which included high-end cars and a captained yacht, prosecutors say.

The hospital announced Hairston's removal in February amid a pall of suspicion concerning "financial irregularities."

He is charged with mail fraud, money laundering and filing a false tax return.

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