Psychologist Gets Probation for Fraud

State officials have placed an Oxnard psychologist on probation for five years in connection with a fraudulent billing scheme that landed him in jail for six months, the California Board of Psychology said Friday.

Kenneth Bowers, who was convicted of grand theft in 1994 for submitting fake Medi-Cal claims, must undergo psychological evaluation and ongoing therapy as well as perform 400 hours of community service, the state ruled.

Bowers could not be reached for comment Friday.

State officials said they would not tolerate cheating in the industry.

“Dishonest and fraudulent behavior by a licensed psychologist is an ultimate breach of the public trust,” said Tom O’Connor, executive officer of the state Board of Psychology. “When a psychologist defrauds the Medi-Cal system, we all lose,” O’Connor said.

In addition to the jail time, Bowers two years ago was ordered by the courts to pay $77,000 in restitution and penalties. The state psychology board also ordered him to pay $4,500 for the cost of its investigation.