Michael W. Luehrsen, a former resident of Western New York now living in Miami, Florida, was sentenced on March 13 to three years’ probation after being convicted of perjury, according to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo also ordered Luehrsen to pay approximately $2 million in restitution and forfeit assets totaling about $2 million, including investments and real estate proceeds.
The case highlights the consequences of providing false testimony under oath during federal trials. Luehrsen’s conviction stemmed from statements he made while testifying at his own jury trial in February 2022 before the United States District Court for the Western District of New York.
During that trial, Luehrsen was questioned about his whereabouts on specific dates related to allegations of health care fraud. When asked if he was out of town when certain prescriptions were faxed, Luehrsen responded: “That’s correct.” He further testified: “On June 27, 2014, I was actually in California visiting Cornerstone Pharmacy with two physicians. On July 11, of 2014, I was in Boston, Massachusetts.” When asked how he remembered those details, he said: “I have photographs from my phone showing me in those particular cities.”
However, evidence obtained from Luehrsen’s cell phone contradicted his statements. Photographs on the device showed that he was actually in Buffalo on July 11, 2014. Additional telephone and financial records confirmed his presence in Buffalo on that date. The location was significant because it related to whether an altered compound prescription form had been faxed from his father’s home in the Western District of New York.
The investigation leading to sentencing was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
Luehrsen’s sentence underscores the importance placed by federal authorities on truthful testimony and accountability during judicial proceedings.
