The Patriot Ledger
BOSTON – Two Plymouth residents have been charged with falsely billing MassHealth’s Personal Care Attendant program for services that were allegedly never provided, and one of the suspects was also charged with sex-related crimes against attendants, the state attorney general's office says.
Eric Melendez, 43, of Plymouth, was indicted on charges of filing false Medicaid claims, larceny over $1,200, two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or older, two counts of attempted indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or older, two counts of engaging in sexual conduct for a fee and dissemination or possession of obscene matter.
Angelica Pierni, 32, of Plymouth, was indicted on charges of filing false Medicaid claims and larceny over $1,200.
The MassHealth Personal Care Attendant program helps people with chronic or long-term disabilities live independently by providing medically necessary assistance with personal care needs.
The attorney general's office alleges that Melendez submitted false timesheets for attendants, including Pierni, between May 2016 and September 2022. Timesheets included hours that the attendant was working at another job, listed more hours than the attendant actually worked, or included hours that were billed after the attendant quit working for Melendez, authorities said.
They said Melendez told some attendants to open a joint bank account with him, giving him access to their pay. He then allegedly submitted...
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