Former Sequim chiropractor pleads guilty to theft

by AMANDA WINTERS

Sequim Gazette

A former Sequim chiropractor charged with theft and attempted criminal liability won't spend any time in jail after pleading guilty.

Marc A. Ferrin, 45, now living in Jefferson City, Mo., was charged in Clallam County Superior Court in November 2009 with one count of first-degree theft and nine counts of criminal liability of persons making false statements or concealing information.

The Washington State Attorney General's Office filed the charges after Ferrin allegedly double-billed the state Department of Labor and Industries for nine patients between July 2007 and April 2008. The original 20-page affidavit said Ferrin stole more than $1,500 by billing both the patient and L&I.

Ferrin owned Costal Chiropractic Center in Sequim.

At an Oct. 19 hearing in Clallam County Superior Court, Ferrin pleaded guilty to amended charges of third-degree theft and attempted criminal liability, both gross misdemeanors. The other charges were dropped.

In his guilty plea Ferrin stated, "I admit that there are sufficient facts in the affidavit of probable cause that would support the (charges)."

Judge Ken Williams sentenced Ferrin to 365 days in jail with 365 days suspended and a fine of $5,000 for each charge. Ferrin also must pay $11,538.32 in restitution and is prohibited from providing services to L&I clients until all court obligations are met and a billing training program is completed, according to the Nov. 19 sentencing.

Reach Amanda Winters at awinters@sequim

gazette.com.