Leader of Passamaquoddy Tribe Accused in $1.5 Million Medicare Scam

A high-ranking official within the Passamaquoddy Tribe is facing federal charges for his alleged role in a $1.5 million Medicare scam.

Cedric Cromwell, 65, the current Chairman of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston in 2020 for his involvement in a scheme to defraud Medicare out of $1.5 million.

According to the indictment, Cromwell and his co-conspirators, including David Dequattro and Carlton Hendricks, submitted false claims to Medicare, resulting in the government issuing unauthorized payments.

The indictment alleges that Cromwell and his co-conspirators used the stolen funds to purchase luxury vehicles, real estate, and other personal items.

Cromwell’s attorneys, Maksim Nemtsev and Jared C. Dolan, have declined to comment on the charges.

The case is currently being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy R. Flaherty and Michael Pabian leading the investigation.

A federal grand jury returned an eight-count indictment against Cromwell and his co-conspirators in 2020. If convicted, Cromwell faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count.

The Passamaquoddy Tribe has released a statement denying any wrongdoing on behalf of Cromwell, stating that he has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case.