Prosecutors Seek Mental Evaluation of Indiana Surgeon in Fraud Case

Federal prosecutors are requesting a mental evaluation for a former northwestern Indiana surgeon because of his purported suicide attempt and unwillingness to answer questions about his understanding of court proceedings.

Prosecutors asked a judge to order a hearing to determine whether Mark Weinberger should be evaluated by a doctor before further hearings in his federal criminal case.

Weinberger has pleaded not guilty to billing insurance companies and patients at his Merrillville nose and sinus clinic for procedures he didn’t perform.

He was captured in Italy in December after more than five years on the run from the law. Weinberger was hospitalized after Italian authorities say he stabbed himself in the neck while being arrested.

Defense attorney Adam Tavitas didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment Tuesday.

Information from: The Times, http://nwitimes.com