Aaron Jones, Health Care Fraud, New Jersey 2022

Aaron Jones, a 27-year-old medical assistant from Willingboro, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit health care fraud, a crime that has cost the state and local health benefits programs and other insurers over $1 million.

According to court documents, Jones worked for a medical practice in Stratford, New Jersey, owned by Dr. Michael Goldis. Jones was paid by a pharmaceutical sales representative, Richard Zappala, to identify patients at the medical practice who had insurance plans that would cover compounded prescription medications.

Jones forged Goldis’ signature on numerous compounded medication prescriptions, including on prescriptions for individuals who were not Goldis’ patients. He also arranged for Goldis to sign prescriptions for the compounded medications, regardless of whether or not the individuals receiving the prescriptions had a medical necessity for them.

Jones received approximately $10,000 in cash for his role in the scheme. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler.

The charges against Jones carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for July 12, 2022.

The investigation was led by the FBI’s Atlantic City Resident Agency, the IRS – Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, New York Region.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. David Walk, Jr. and Christina O. Hud of the Criminal Division.

Aaron Jones, 27, of Willingboro, New Jersey, previously worked for a medical practice in Stratford, New Jersey, owned by Dr. Michael Goldis. Jones was paid by a pharmaceutical sales representative, Richard Zappala, to identify patients at the medical practice who had insurance plans that would cover compounded prescription medications.

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