Essex County, New Jersey Pharmacist and Pharmacy Convicted of Medicaid Fraud

October 17, 2007 -- TRENTON - New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram and Criminal Justice Director Gregory A. Paw, announced that an Essex County pharmacist and the pharmacy he operated were convicted in absentia yesterday of health care claims fraud and Medicaid fraud for submitting more than $15,000 in phony prescription claims to the Medicaid program.

According to Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Greta Gooden Brown, Ademola T. Salami, 51, of Hillside, a pharmacist licensed in New Jersey, and the pharmacy he owned and operated, Bethel Pharmacy Inc., located at 301 Osborne Terrace in Newark, were convicted of second-degree health care claims fraud and third-degree Medicaid fraud. The conviction followed a 14-day jury trial before Superior Court Judge Michael Ravin in Essex County. Salami did not appear for his trial, and the chair reserved for the defendant remained empty throughout the proceedings.

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The Essex County jury found that between Jan. 1 and April 10, 2004, Salami, through Bethel Pharmacy, knowingly submitted claims for 71 false prescriptions to the Medicaid program. The prescriptions had a forged doctor’s signature and had not been prescribed by the doctor. At least 12 of the prescriptions were submitted on forms that had not even been printed at the time the prescriptions were filled. Salami and Bethel Pharmacy billed the Medicaid program approximately $15,145 for the phony prescriptions.

State Investigator Michael Rasar, Assistant Attorney General John Krayniak and Deputy Attorney General Deborah Cummis Sandlaufer handled the case for the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The Medicaid Program, which is funded by the state and federal governments, provides health care services and prescription drugs to persons who may not otherwise be able to afford them.

The corporation is scheduled to appear before Judge Ravin on Nov. 16 to be sentenced. A bench warrant has been issued by Judge Ravin for Salami’s arrest. The second-degree crime carries a sentence of up to 10 years in state prison and a criminal fine of up to $150,000, while the third-degree crime carries a sentence of up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. This matter was also referred to the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy for any action deemed appropriate regarding Salami’s license.

Source: New Jersey Attorney General