Michigan Doctor Who Mistreated Cancer Patients Sentenced to 45 Years

— -- A Michigan doctor who admitted to mistreating cancer patients so he could defraud insurance companies was sentenced to 45 years in prison.

Dr. Farid Fata, 50, pleaded guilty last year to fraud, money laundering and conspiracy charges.

In the Detroit federal courthouse Fata sobbed almost uncontrollably as he spoke prior to sentencing. Speaking to victims of his treatment and their families in attendance, Fata said he had violated the Hippocratic oath and caused "anguish, hardship and pain."

"I misused my talents, yes, and permitted this sin to enter me because of power and greed," Fata said, according to the Associate Press. "My quest for power is self-destructive."

Earlier this week numerous former patients of Fata spoke against the doctor.

"He's a monster and a master of deceit," one victim named Steve told the court via a statement read by his wife. "I lost three years of my life to cancer treatments. I hate this man. Some may choose to forgive, I never can. Maybe God can."

Some of the victims who spoke never had cancer, others were over-treated and some had treatment for different cancers than the ones for which they were diagnosed because it brought in more money.

Numerous victims who testified asked that Fata be given the maximum sentence of life in prison.

"I trusted him with my life. It was medical genocide," one victim named Patricia told the court on Tuesday.

"I was a cash cow," Patricia continued. "The bone marrow biopsy was torture. I had to tell my son I had terminal cancer. I don't know how anyone could do something so horrible. You showed no mercy for me so I have no mercy for you."

The federal prosecutor had asked that Fata get the full 175-year sentence, according to the Associated Press. At least 553 victims had been identified in addition to the insurance companies who were defrauded by Fata.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.