Boulder spinal surgeon pleads guilty to bankruptcy fraud

The Boulder spinal surgeon accused of bankruptcy fraud has reached a plea deal with federal prosecutors that could result in more than two years of prison time.

Dr. Cathleen Van Buskirk pleaded guilty to one count of bankruptcy fraud on Friday, according to court documents. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors dropped the remaining charges of concealment of bankruptcy assets, fraudulent transfer and concealment, and money laundering.

According to the plea agreement, prosecutors will not ask for more than 33 months in prison for the bankruptcy fraud charge, which typically can carry up to five years in prison.

But court documents also show that the two sides are in disagreement about the maximum prison sentence a judge can impose on Van Buskirk, given her guilty plea. Prosecutors calculate that Van Buskirk could be sentenced to up 37 months while defense attorneys calculated she could be sentenced to a maximum of 24 months.

Read more: http://www.dailycamera.com/boulder-county-news/ci_32098049/boulder-spinal-surgeon-pleads-guilty-bankruptcy-fraud