Director of the Highland Medical Center arrested for fraud
D. Bradley Drawbaugh D. Bradley Drawbaugh

State Police say D. Bradley Drawbaugh, the director of the Highland Medical Center, was arrested Tuesday for fraud related charges including obtaining money by false pretense and fraudulent use of documents for the purpose of establishing a false status or occupation. Drawbaugh's educational credentials have also been called into question.

State Police conducted an investigation after a complaint was made about accounting irregularities uncovered during an independent audit of the medical center.

News release from the Virginia State Police:

State Police Charge Highland Medical Center Administrator

Salem, VA – The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation announced today that warrants have been obtained for Mr. D. Bradley Drawbaugh, Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of Highland Medical Center.

The investigation stemmed from an August 2009 complaint whereby Mr. Drawbaugh reported to the Highland County Sheriff's Office accounting irregularities uncovered during an independent audit of medical center records. During the course of the investigation, state police special agents discovered cause to investigate the authenticity of Mr. Drawbaugh's educational credentials.

Mr. Drawbaugh was arrested on December 22, 2009 in Highland County for fraudulent related offenses to include "obtaining money by false pretense" and the "fraudulent use of documents for the purpose of establishing a false status or occupation." A trial date has not been set at this time.