Podiatrist killed witness in Medicare case, jury finds

A Chicago-area podiatrist was convicted of fatally shooting a former patient in 2002 to prevent her from testifying against him in a Medicare fraud case. Ronald Mikos, 56, was found guilty of one count of tampering with a witness by murder, three counts of influencing a witness, two counts of obstructing justice, 14 counts of mail fraud and five counts of healthcare fraud. Because killing a witness is a capital crime, Mikos could face the death penalty. Sentencing hearings begin May 10. Prosecutors said the former patient, Joyce Brannon, was ready to testify that Mikos had not performed on her more than 70 foot surgeries billed to Medicare. Mikos' defense attorney said her client had defrauded Medicare of more than $1.25 million but had not murdered Brannon. -- by Mark Taylor