BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — A Gardendale man has been arraigned in U.S. District Court for health care fraud.

U.S. Attorney Alice Martin said in a statement Monday that 44-year-old Joel Allan Sloan was charged in a 17-count indictment that was returned in July.

The indictment alleges Sloan created paperwork which falsely indicated doctors had approved power wheelchairs and accessories for certain Medicare recipients.

Martin said the scheme cost the Medicare program more than $70,000.

No trial date was announced.

The maximum sentence for each count of federal health care fraud is no more than 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000 or both.