Source: NJ.com
A Bayonne chiropractor who pleaded guilty to insurance fraud in 2014 has committed the same crime, against the same insurer, Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck and Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Tracy M. Thompson announced.
Charles Boas, whose office is now closed, submitting hundreds of fraudulent claims to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield (HBCBS) of New Jersey between Dec. 12, 2016 and March 13, 2018, for health care services that he did not perform, authorities said.
The 73-year-old Matawan resident was indicted on 261 counts of second-degree health care claims fraud, second-degree theft by deception, two counts of third-degree failure to file tax returns, and two counts of third-degree failure to pay taxes, officials said. The indictment was returned by a grand jury on Dec. 10.
In 2014 Boas pleaded guilty to insurance fraud. He was charged in September 2012 with stealing about $13,000 as a result of the fraud, which occurred between October 2006 and August 2009. The Attorney General’s Office at the time recommended three years probation and a license suspension of at least one year.
In the latest case, authorities say Boas submitted 261 fraudulent health care claims to HBCBS for services purportedly rendered to patients on various dates. The indictment says Boas pocketed $75,000 or more from HBCBS by creating the false impression that he provided health care services to certain patients, when in fact the defendant did not.
The indictment also says Boas failed to pay $31,560.78 in income tax for 2016 earnings and he failed to pay $65,525.79 in income tax for 2017 earnings.
Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
A phone number for Boas’ office has been disconnected and he could not be reached for comment.
State regulations permit a reward to be paid to an eligible person who provides information that leads to an arrest, prosecution, and conviction for insurance fraud. Thompson, the insurance fraud prosecutor, said many cases have started with anonymous tips.
People who are concerned about insurance cheating and have information about a fraud can report it anonymously by calling the toll-free hotline at 877-55-FRAUD, or visiting the website at www.NJInsurancefraud.org.