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June 23, 2011

Uninsured Man Explains Deliberate Jailing to Obtain Healthcare 
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A North Carolina man who deliberately got himself arrested to obtain
free medical care in jail has spoken out from behind bars. James Verone,
a laid-off employee of Coca Cola, recently noticed a protrusion in his
chest and had developed arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Without
health insurance or money for private care, Verone concluded his best
option would be to go to prison. He then walked into a local bank and
handed a teller a note reading: "This is a bank robbery. Please give me
one dollar."

James Verone: "If it is called manipulation, then out of necessity
because I need medical care, then I guess I am manipulating the courts
to get medical care."

Verone has been charged with larceny. He says he hopes to remain jailed
for three years to continue receiving medical treatment.



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