A Washington County man was sentenced to three years probation yesterday for helping a Lower Burrell chiropractor to submit false insurance claims.

John Slimick, 49, of New Eagle pleaded guilty in January to one count of health care fraud. In addition to the probation, he also was ordered to pay $156,058 in restitution.

The U.S. attorney's office accused Mr. Slimick of allowing chiropractor Douglas Henderson to submit claims totalling that amount to Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield from January 1996 through 2002. In return, Mr. Henderson paid Mr. Slimick $20,390.79.

Mr. Henderson pleaded guilty to health care fraud, conspiracy and income tax evasion in April 2006. He will be sentenced Oct. 31 by U.S. District Judge Gary L. Lancaster.