UPDATE: A shocking indictment has been announced against Vincente Lopez, a 63-year-old man from East Orange, New Jersey, who is accused of stealing over $3.4 million from Medicaid by taking control of his deceased sister’s counseling practice. Federal investigators have confirmed that Lopez filed fraudulent Medicaid claims through Joyce Lopez & Associates, a company he allegedly mismanaged after his sister passed away in 2021.
Lopez faces serious charges, including health care claims fraud and theft by deception, both classified as second-degree crimes. Additionally, he is charged with Medicaid fraud and three counts of failure to pay taxes while submitting fraudulent returns, considered third-degree offenses. The allegations reveal that Lopez billed Medicaid approximately 34,000 times for psychological services, despite neither he nor the practice being an approved Medicaid provider.
According to Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, Lopez directed employees to bill under the name of a licensed psychiatrist who was completely unaware of the fraudulent activities. The psychiatrist had never provided services to clients at Joyce Lopez & Associates. Platkin stated, “Lopez also allegedly billed Medicaid when a patient canceled an appointment or did not show up, and for psychological services when JLA was only delivering case management services.”
The fallout from Lopez’s actions extends beyond Medicaid fraud. He has reportedly failed to pay state taxes for 2021, 2022, and 2023, claiming he filed returns without reporting his full income. As of June 18, Lopez owes $52,372 in personal income taxes to New Jersey, alongside a civil fraud penalty of $26,186 and $21,151 in interest, bringing his total liability to nearly $99,709.
This urgent case has significant implications for Medicaid integrity and highlights the importance of vigilance in preventing fraud. Attorney General Platkin is urging anyone who suspects Medicaid fraud to report it to investigators at 609-292-1272 or via email at [email protected].
As this story develops, it underscores the critical need for accountability in healthcare practices and the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat fraud. Stay tuned for more updates as the legal proceedings unfold.
