PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island lawyer who pleaded guilty mid-trial to using the identities of terminally ill patients to illegally obtain millions of dollars from insurance companies and brokerage houses wants to withdraw his plea.
Joseph Caramadre (cah-rah-MAH'-dray) says he's seeking to withdraw the guilty plea he entered in November because he's innocent. He says he entered it hoping the trial's end would alleviate "serious health issues" it was causing several family members.
A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
Caramadre and a former employee pleaded guilty to single counts of wire fraud and conspiracy.
Prosecutors say they took out variable annuities and "death-put" bonds that paid out when a person died. Authorities say they lied to terminally ill people to get personal information used to purchase bonds and annuities in their names without consent.
