According to the United States Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey, former medical assistant, 27-year-old Aaron Jones of Willingboro, New Jersey, was charged with one count of Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud, and officially pleaded guilty last month in connection to a scheme defrauding the state of New Jersey, local health benefits programs, and insurers of over $1 Million by submitting fake claims for unnecessary prescriptions.
The news release cites court documents and statements, indicating the following:
"Jones previously worked for a medical practice in Stratford, New Jersey, owned by Dr. Michael Goldis. Jones was paid by a pharmaceutical sales representative, Richard Zappala, to identify patients at the medical practice who had insurance plans that would cover compounded prescription medications. Jones forged Goldis’ signature on numerous compounded medication prescriptions, including on prescriptions for individuals who were not Goldis’ patients. Jones also arranged for Goldis to sign prescriptions for the compounded medications, regardless of whether or not the individuals receiving the prescriptions had a medical necessity for them. Jones received approximately $10,000 in cash for his role in the scheme.
Jones was previously indicted for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud and other offenses, along with Goldis, Steven Monaco, and Dr. Daniel Oswari. Oswari pleaded guilty in December 2019 to fraud and kickback charges. Goldis pleaded guilty in June 2020 to four counts of making false statements relating to health care matters. Zappala pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud in September 2017. The charges remain pending against Monaco, who is scheduled for trial before Judge Kugler in Camden federal court on April 4, 2022.”
Jones’ role in the scheme leaves him facing a maximum 10-year prison sentence and $250,000 fine, with a July 12, 2022 sentencing date.