Two Women Charged with Health Care Fraud for Allegedly Illegally Providing Medical Services

TRENTON – Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (OIFP) announced today that the owner of a health center and one of her employees have been indicted for health care fraud and other related crimes for allegedly illegally performing medical procedures.

Esney Davis-Sharpe, 63, of East Orange, New Jersey, and Nataliya Lushchak, 48, of Lower Gwynedd, Pennsylvania, are both charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit health care claims fraud (second degree); unlicensed practice of medicine (third degree); health care claims fraud (second degree); and Medicaid fraud (third degree).

“This case alleges a deliberate abuse of the Medicaid system and a betrayal of patient trust,” said Acting Attorney General Davenport. “Submitting claims for medical services performed by unlicensed individuals undermines the integrity of Medicaid and diverts critical resources from those who rely on the program. OIFP will continue to hold accountable those who abuse the Medicaid program and place patients at risk.”

“This case shows the importance of state agencies working together to respond to reports of allegedly illegal activity and root it out,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. “Thousands of claims were allegedly submitted to Medicaid for reimbursement to which these defendants are not entitled. Health care fraud endangers the public and wastes limited public resources.”

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