MARQUETTE, MI-- A former U.P. psychologist has been sentenced for offering drugs for sex.
Michael Varney, 62, of Caspian pleaded guilty in April to three counts of 2nd-degree criminal sexual conduct; three counts of delivery of a controlled substance – less than 50 grams; one count of conspiracy to commit Medicaid fraud; and three counts of health care fraud – false claims.
He was sentenced in Marquette County Circuit Court last week to 54 months to 15 years in prison on the CSC charges and 282 days on each of the other charges. He was also ordered to pay $427,558 in restitution for Medicaid and health care fraud.
Varney was accused of exchanging opioids for sexual favors from his patients. He practiced in Marquette, Caspian and Kingsford.
