SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane dermatologist Dr. William Philip Werschler was indicted in federal court Friday for allegedly misusing federal COVID-19 emergency funding.
According to the indictment, Werschler’s practice applied for aid under the CARES Act through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL).
“Specifically, Defendant William Philip Werschler and others known and unknown to the Grand Jury applied for and received at least three EIDL loans…with the intent to defraud, steal and convert proceeds of the EIDL loans for [Werschler’s] personal use and for use by other companies,” the indictment stated.
The 40 page indictment goes on to make the case that Werchler’s practice misused federal COVID-19 aid for the dermatologist’s personal benefit. This alleged fraud purportedly led to the misuse of hundreds of thousands of federal dollars and led to the purchase of several expensive vehicles.
Indictments are not proof of guilt, but are rather assertions made by prosecutors. After being indicted, defendants have a constitutional right to the presumption of innocence and to defend themselves in court.
