Dr. Ruben Tejada formerly of Northwest Health System has been arrested after an investigation into theft, according to a news release from the Bentonville Police Department.
Tejada, 54, of Rogers was booked into the Benton County Jail on Thursday (Oct. 31) and faces an embezzlement charge of theft of property, a Class B felony, according to the news release. He was released without bond on his own recognizance Thursday afternoon, records show.
Tejada is set to be arraigned in Benton County Circuit Court on Dec. 9.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Tejada is accused of keeping cash from self-pay patients and instructing a staff member to keep two sets of books so he wouldn’t get caught. He told employees if they didn’t do what he said that he knew someone in the Mafia, which employees perceived as a threat. He also implied he was part of the Mafia, the document states.
Tejada stole $27,380 from the health system, according to the affidavit.
The health system hired Tejada and his staff on Feb. 1, 2013, with his office being at 2805 S.E. Midcities Dr. in Bentonville, the affidavit states. He has not worked for the health system since August.
In a statement Thursday, Northwest Health System said it was “aware that Dr. Tejada has been arrested.”
“He has not worked in our organization since August, and we have cooperated with the authorities in their investigation of this matter. Any additional questions should be referred to the prosecutor’s office,” according to the statement issued by Patricia Driscoll, system director, business development and marketing.
