Former University of Michigan doctor admits to altering performance evaluations
A former University of Michigan physician admitted to altering computer files to boost his own performance evaluations and lower those of his colleagues.
Eric Batterson, 34, pleaded no contest to counts of unauthorized access of computers and using a computer to commit a crime at his scheduled preliminary hearing in district court, records show. Prosecutors agreed to drop 17 other counts at sentencing Jan. 10.
A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt, but is treated as such for sentencing.
The Scio Township resident was arrested in August after U-M police discovered he accessed records while working as a resident physician in March and April of 2009.
Police said Batterson installed software on computers that records keystrokes, allowing him to obtain passwords to access other computers and colleagues' e-mail accounts. He used that access to boost his performance evaluations, while negatively altering those of his colleagues, police said.
He will avoid prison and must pay nearly $9,400 in restitution, according to a sentencing agreement with Circuit Judge Melinda Morris, records show.
Batterson began working as a resident physician in July 2007 and resigned in July 2009. Records show he received an annual salary of roughly $48,000.
Art Aisner is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.
Comments
Joseph Phelps
Thu, Dec 16, 2010 : 4:28 a.m.
AlphaAlpha -- What do you mean no conviction or no record? He was convicted. It is on the record. Also with two counts he will never be able to get that expunged. In my opinion that's a pretty serious outcome for someone who hoped to have a medical career.
treetowncartel
Wed, Dec 15, 2010 : 11:58 p.m.
He will eventually face the Board of Medicine, as of now, his app is pending. http://www7.dleg.state.mi.us/free/publicinfo.asp?rb_name=&rb_facility=&l_person_id=1628153&l_profession_id=43&l_license_id=2006778&Last_Name=BATTERSON&First_Name=&License_number=&Facility_Name=&DBA_Name=&profession=43&offset=0
AlphaAlpha
Wed, Dec 15, 2010 : 10:50 p.m.
"His career is most likely done." One would think, but, different town, a creative excuse, a new letter of recommendation, and voila. This individual appears to have an extra creativity gene; there seems to be no legal reason why he won't soon be 'practicing' again...
Ryan Munson
Wed, Dec 15, 2010 : 8:23 p.m.
@Alpha Alpha --You forgot one thing. His career is most likely done.
David Briegel
Wed, Dec 15, 2010 : 4:54 p.m.
What else has been altered at the U of M?
AlphaAlpha
Wed, Dec 15, 2010 : 3:43 p.m.
Eighteen charges of fraud; no defense; bargained away for under $10K. No guilt, no conviction, no record to speak of, no disincentive?