Rachel Sacharow 609-984-1936

TRENTON - Criminal Justice Director Vaughn L. McKoy announced that the Division of Criminal Justice - Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor has obtained a State Grand Jury indictment charging an Essex County businessman and his Hudson County corporation for allegedly over-billing the Medicaid Program by more than $33,800 for more expensive medical supplies than they actually provided. 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 such services and medicines.

According to Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Greta Gooden Brown, Julio Anthony Munoz, 40, Normal Avenue, Upper Montclair, Essex County, and the corporate entity, T-N-T Medical Supply, Inc., 4911 Bergenline Avenue, West New York, Hudson County, were charged with Health Care Claims Fraud (2nd degree) and Medicaid Fraud (3rd degree). If convicted, Munoz faces up to 13 years in state prison and a criminal fine of up to $160,000. T-N-T Medical Supply, Inc. faces an additional $160,000 in penalties.

The indictment alleges that between January 2002 and August 2003, Munoz, owner, operator and controller of T-N-T Medical Supply, Inc., submitted more than two dozen inflated, and therefore fraudulent, claims to the Medicaid Program. An investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice determined that Munoz, a Medicaid provider, and his corporation falsely billed the Medicaid Program for the most expensive surgical support stockings provided to Medicaid patients when, in fact, the least expensive stocking was provided to the patients. Surgical stockings are prescribed for patients who have circulatory and other related medical conditions. Surgical stockings can be billed in amounts ranging from $24 to $120. It is charged that Munoz falsely billed the Medicaid Program approximately $33,840.

State Investigator William Rodriguez and Deputy Attorney General Riza Dagli were assigned to the investigation. DAG Dagli represented the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor before the State Grand Jury.

The indictment, which was handed up to Mercer County Superior Court Judge Maria M. Sypek on Oct. 5, is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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