Newark, N.J. – The grimy world of public corruption was hit again as Myrtha Nicolas, 61, from Jersey City, New Jersey, a former employee of the Hudson County Office on Aging, was charged with accepting bribes for patient referrals.
The U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced that Nicolas has been charged by complaint with one count of extortion under color of official right. She made her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor and was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond.
According to documents filed in the case, as a referral coordinator for the Office on Aging, Nicolas had authority over assigning patients with disabilities needing home health care services. She was approached by a confidential witness, a self-employed executive of a home health care company, who paid her $500 per patient referral.
In a brazen scheme, Nicolas accepted cash payments totaling $2,100 for patient referrals, including one final payment of $1,000 with a promise of more easy cases. She was caught in a sting operation that revealed her corrupt activities.
The extortion charge against Nicolas carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss. U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited the FBI with the investigation leading to the charges.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. McCarren is representing the government in this case, where the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Related Federal Cases
- Dr. Ahmed El Soury Pleads Guilty to Bribery Scheme · New Jersey
- NY Doc Pleads Guilty in $1.4M Lab Bribery Scheme · New Jersey
- Florida Man Gets 15+ Years for Extortion, Bomb Threats · New Jersey
- Lissette Delarosa Gets 1 Year for Watch Theft Scheme · New Jersey
- Andrew Webster Sentenced in Historic Diner Fire Scheme · New Jersey
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News