Prison Health Official Resigns Amid Investigation
The state prison system's top health care policy adviser last week announced his resignation amid a conflict-of-interest investigation into his investments, but on Tuesday the official denied any conflicts, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Darc Keller, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's assistant secretary, had a $10,001 to $100,000 investment in Mobile Medical International. The company performed subcontracting work for Medical Development International, a firm that since last year has provided outpatient physician, billing and scheduling services for inmates at two state prisons.
However, Keller said he divested himself of the stock before the contract was signed with MDI. He said the subcontract proposal to MDI was made "without my knowledge." Keller added, "There was no financial gain for anybody."
The Office of Inspector General is investigating Keller's investment in Mobile Medical, sources told the Bee.
An OIG spokesperson declined to discuss the investigation (Furillo, Sacramento Bee, 2/28).