Binghamton Couple Agree to $500,000 Fraud Settlement

A Broome County husband and wife have agreed to turn over more than a half-million dollars to the government after admitting they stole money from the Medicaid system.

Authorities say Kenneth and Sharon Cohn entered guilty pleas in connection with a Medicaid fraud investigation.

According to the New York State Attorney General's Office, the Cohns owned and operated Yellow Medi-Van and Taxi. The Binghamton-based company provided transportation to medical appointments for Medicaid recipients.

Officials say the town of Binghamton couple operated the company in violation of Broome County and state regulations by failing to have workers' compensation insurance.

State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott said the "husband and wife's theft from taxpayers was enabled through a trail of fraud and deceit" to mislead regulators while leaving their employees vulnerable.

Kenneth Cohn pleaded guilty to grand larceny and effect of failure to secure compensation. Sharon Cohn pleaded guilty to offering a false instrument for filing.

The Cohns agreed to turn over $455,000 to the state Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. They also agreed to pay an additional $50,000 to settle the case.

Broome County Court Judge Joseph Cawley scheduled sentencing for September 29.

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