Sentencing delayed again for Masury man convicted in PHN fraud conspiracy
A federal judge has postponed the sentencing of a Masury man who pleaded guilty to fraud charges related to a scheme that authorities say bilked a Sharon, Pennsylvania, non-profit health network out of more than $2 million.
Christopher O’Brien’s sentencing, originally scheduled for April 1, has been moved to July 1, 2025, according to court records. This is the fourth time the sentencing has been delayed since O’Brien pleaded guilty more than a year ago to one count of conspiracy to commit wire or mail fraud. His lawyer requested the delay to allow more time to prepare a sentencing memorandum.
O’Brien is one of five people charged in a 17-count indictment alleging a complex fraud scheme against Primary Health Network. The indictment also names former Primary Health Network CEO Drew Pierce of West Middlesex, Pennsylvania; former facilities director Mark Marriott of Sharpsville, Pennsylvania; former CEO John Laeng of West Middlesex; and John O’Brien of Masury. The four defendants have pleaded “not guilty.”
Prosecutors allege the defendants used sham contracts, inflated bids, and kickbacks to defraud the non-profit between 2011 and 2019. Primary Health Network provides healthcare services to thousands of patients in Pennsylvania.
The indictment alleges that Marriott, Pierce, and Laeng operated Topcoat Plus, described as a “purported” management firm, and other companies to submit fraudulent invoices to Primary Health Network.
John O’Brien, who controlled Tele-Data, a telecommunications company, allegedly submitted an inflated bid for work at a health center in Lewiston, Pennsylvania, and then paid kickbacks to Marriott.
Christopher O’Brien, who owned Excel Construction, allegedly profited by charging inflated amounts for general contracting work.
The indictment also alleges that Marriott and Pierce used Primary Health Network funds for personal expenses, including home improvements.
Federal Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan recently denied motions to dismiss filed by Pierce, Marriott, Laeng, and John O’Brien.
Ranjan also issued an order indicating the trial is expected to last three weeks or less, and directed the parties to submit available trial dates between late September and mid-December of this year.
