Conspiracy at Chicago safety net hospital leads to fourth indictment
The former CEO of a nonprofit safety net hospital in Chicago has been charged with embezzlement for allegedly accepting cash bribes. Four others have already been indicted.
George Miller, 73, is awaiting an arraignment date for a one-count charge of bribery conspiracy. During his tenure as Loretta Hospital CEO from 2017–2022, Miller was allegedly involved in a $15 million quid pro quo where he used his position to push the organization to contract with vendors owned by Chicago businessman Sameer Suhail, MD, who has been charged for his role.
Suhail operated companies that supply products and services to healthcare organizations. He allegedly sent cash transfers totaling $776,300 to Miller between 2018 and 2021. Prosecutors said bribes were also paid to Loretta Hospital’s former CFO, Anosh Ahmed, as part of the kickback scheme. Ahmed has also been charged. However, he has since fled to Dubai, prosecutors confirmed.
Heather Bergdahl, Loretta Hospital’s former chief transformation officer, was not so lucky. While boarding a private jet in Houston to join Ahmed in Dubai, she was arrested and will face charges similar to her alleged co-conspirators.
The scheme became public in 2021 when auditors found a discrepancy in invoiced supplies at the hospital versus its actual stocks. Due to public backlash, Miller was forced to resign in disgrace a year later.
Loretta Hospital is a safety net facility, meaning it serves patients who may not otherwise be able to afford care, effectively operating as a charity. In statements to the press, a spokesperson said the hospital is a victim of these crimes and continues to offer "full cooperation and support to the authorities.”
Miller, Suhail and Bergdahl are all awaiting trial on their respective charges.
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.