Wilmington, N.C. — A 75-year-old Wilmington chiropractor and his daughter, the owners of four medical clinics, pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges that they defrauded Medicaid and Medicare.

The indictment alleges that Roy L. Creasy and Tamala Creasy Newton, 51, of Carolina Beach, submitted false bills for a period of six years beginning in 2004. The indictment cited bills for procedures never performed and for services on days the clinics were closed. The indictment states that they also forged the signature on some claims forms and altered the date on previous claims and re-submitted them.

Creasy pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to commit health care fraud. He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Newton pleaded guilty to 13 counts of aiding and abetting health care fraud, four counts of mail fraud and one count each of conspiring to commit health care fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Newton could be sentenced to 20 years in prison for each count of mail fraud, 10 years for each count of health care fraud and five years for the conspiracy charge. A conviction for aggravated identity theft automatically tacks two years onto any prison sentence. Each charge also carries a fine up to $250,000.

Sentencing for both defendants was scheduled for Oct. 4.