Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced the indictment of seven individuals in the state’s Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program offered by MassHealth.
Three of the seven individuals announced indicted are from Worcester.
Chantel Bethea, 41, and Robert L. Evans III, 44, of Worcester, face charges of Medicaid False Claims, Bethea also faces charges of Neglect of an Elder or Disabled Person.
Prosecutors allege that Bethea and Evans fraudulently billed MassHealth more than $120,000 for services not rendered between December 2015 and February 2019.
Bethea is also alleged to have neglected a MassHealth member by failing to provide necessary assistance.
Amy Sutherland, also known as Amy Petrucelli, 48, of Worcester, faces charges of Medicaid False Claims and Larceny over $1,200.
Prosecutors allege that Sutherland falsely submitted timesheets for PCA services provided to her by “Amy Petrucelli.”
Prosecutors believe that Sutherland’s maiden name is Petrucelli and the two individuals are actually the same person.
The allegations suggest that Sutherland fraudulently obtained more than $37,000 from MassHealth.
The other individuals announced indicted are:
- Abdikadir Maow, 48, and Abdinafa Maow, 26, of Medford. Both face Medicaid False Claims and Larceny over $1,200, charges.
- Kyisha Vargas, 40, of Holliston and Howard Britt, 72, of Dorchester. both face charges of Medicaid False Claims. Kyisha Vargas was indicted by a Suffolk County Grand Jury for Medicaid False Claims, Larceny over $1200, and Identity Fraud
The MassHealth PCA Program helps people live independently in the community by providing medically necessary physical assistance with personal care needs. Through the consumer driven MassHealth PCA program, eligible MassHealth members employ PCAs to assist them with their activities of daily living.
