Anchorage couple charged with defrauding over $500k from medical practice

A husband and wife team face multiple fraud and theft charges after prosecutors say they defrauded an Anchorage medical practice out of over half a million dollars.

Darin Applebury, 52, and Jill Applebury, who is also known as Jill Wetzsteon, also 52, were named in a 39 count federal indictment, according to a news release issued by Chloe Martin, a spokesperson with the U.S. Attorney's office.

In the indictment, authorities allege that the Appleburys committed bank fraud, wire fraud, fraudulent transactions with an access device, as well as aggravated identity theft.

In sub headings labeled "THE SCHEME," the indictment explains how Jill Applebury, a bookkeeper hired as a contractor to provide financial services to a medical business, were able to utilize several different methods to steal funds. That business was not named in the charges.

According to prosecutors, Jill and Darin used the position of trust and authority within the medical practice to scam hundreds of thousands of dollars over a period of several years.

Darin Applebury allegedly used a stolen physician identity who operated the medical business, in order to funnel money and supplies for his own medical business, Rapid Recovery Medical Service.

Other schemes include utilizing an employee profit sharing plan to falsely allocate over $60,000, and using the medical practice's bank account for various charges to AT&T, the Apple Store, and Best Buy. Those charges date back to 2011.

All tolled, prosecutors say the couple took "at least" $550,000 from the medical practice.