A.G. Schneiderman Announces Arrest And Arraignment Of Rochester Nurse For Allegedly Defrauding Medicaid Of Over One Thousand Dollars In One Month
Tera Poles Allegedly Billed For Hours Of Care She Never Provided For A Special Needs Child
Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced the arrest and arraignment of Licensed Practical Nurse (L.P.N.) Tera Poles, 33 of Rochester, for allegedly stealing $1,355.07 from the Medicaid program by billing for numerous hours that she did not work. Poles was employed at a private facility to provide nursing services for a special needs child.
“Stealing from Medicaid by exploiting vulnerable patients will not be tolerated,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “My office will continue to vigorously pursue instances where medical professionals rip-off Medicaid for personal gain.”
An investigation by the Attorney General’s office found that Poles, who was hired for a one month period of time, allegedly billed for hours of work when she did not actually provide care for the medically fragile child. As a result, she was able to allegedly accrue over one thousand dollars in false billings.
Poles was arraigned before Brighton Town Court Judge John Falk. The matter is adjourned to September 14th for further proceedings.
The felony complaint, filed in Brighton Town Court, charges Poles with Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (E Felony), and eight counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree (E Felony). The charges carry a maximum potential sentence of one and one third to four years in state prison.
The charges are merely allegations and Poles is presumed innocent.
The Office of the Medicaid Fraud Inspector General also participated in the investigation. The case was investigated by Special Investigator David Giudici and Principal Auditor/ Investigator Thomas Clarke with assistance from MFCU Deputy Chief Investigator William Falk and OMIG Investigator Colleen Balkin. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Sommers. Catherine Wagner is Director of the Rochester Regional MFCU Office and the Upstate Chief of Criminal Investigations. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is led by Director Amy Held. The Division of Criminal Justice is led by Executive Deputy Attorney General Kelly Donovan.