(WHTM)– A Pennsylvania pharmacy and its owner have agreed to pay $825,000 after liability allegations under the False Claims Act.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Allentown-based West End Services, Inc., and its owner-pharmacist, Christopher Leon, will pay $825,000 to the U.S. Government to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act.

Allegations claim the pharmacy and its owner billed Medicare for prescription medications that were not actually dispensed between Jan. 4, 2014, and Feb. 24, 2019, the U.S. attorney’s office says.

The U.S. attorney’s office says the medications included Latuda, Humira, Abilify, Invega Sustenna, Seroquel, Acyclovir, Flovent, and Truvada.

“Pharmacy fraud remains a priority for our office and taxpayer dollars should be spent on needed medications, not wasted on fraud and abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Pharmacies and pharmacists have a responsibility to serve as gatekeepers of a closed system of prescription drug distribution. That responsibility was allegedly used for profit here. This investigation and resolution illustrate this District’s continued emphasis on combating healthcare fraud, including pharmacy fraud. One of the most powerful tools to combat this type of waste, fraud, and abuse is the False Claims Act, and this District maintains one of the most active affirmative civil dockets in the country.”

“As U.S. Attorney Metcalf said, this investigation further solidifies this District’s focus on holding pharmacies and healthcare providers accountable for their handling of controlled substances, and the importance of maintaining on honest inventory balance, instead of putting profits at the forefront,” said Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia Regional Office of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Pharmacies are integral partners in patient care, and they are expected to act with integrity. We take allegations of pharmacy fraud seriously, and today’s settlement reflects our commitment to working with our partners to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent in an appropriate manner — on needed services, not wasted on fraud and abuse.”