Mother And Son Plead Guilty To Medicaid Fraud

A Utica woman has pleaded guilty to helping her son steal over $5,000 in Medicaid benefits through the Consumer Directed Program operated by the Resource Center for Independent Living.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says 56-year old Karen Pierce entered a plea of guilty to petty larceny in Utica City Court today.  Pierce admitted she helped Robert Garrett steal over $5,600 from the Medicaid program.

Garrett entered a similar plea in December.  As part of a plea agreement, they will each be jointly responsible for restitution of the full amount of the theft.

“Those who defraud Medicaid are taking vital funds out of the hands of vulnerable New Yorkers who rely on them,” said  Schneiderman. “We will continue to aggressively pursue all individuals who steal from Medicaid to enrich themselves.”