The 27-year-old man from Monmouth County worked for a Belleville ophthalmologist.
Austin B. Mongiello, 27, of Manalapan, an employee in an ophthalmologist's office, has been indicted for submitting phony medical claims and pocketing the cash, state Attorney General Christopher Porrino announced Wednesday. Authorities said. TRENTON -- An employee in an ophthalmologist's office has been indicted for submitting phony medical claims and pocketing the cash, state Attorney General Christopher Porrino announced Wednesday.
Authorities said Austin B. Mongiello, 27, of Manalapan, who worked for a practice in Belleville, submitted $4,155 in fraudulent claims to VSP, an insurance company specializing in vision care, from September 2012 and March 2013, according to Porrino's announcement.
The insurance carrier cut a check for $1,456, from which Mongiello stole $842, the announcement said.
Mongiello also submitted a fake $687.28 claim and cashed the check from Davis Vision, IPA, another insurance carrier specializing in vision care.
Mongiello was indicted on insurance claims fraud, theft by deception, theft by unlawful taking, and forgery.
"Individuals working in doctors' offices are expected to respect the integrity of the insurance process, not exploit it for their own gain," according to statement from acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Christopher Iu. "Those who do so will face serious consequences."
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People may anonymously report suspected insurance fraud by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-877-55-FRAUD, or visiting the website www.NJInsurancefraud.org. Rewards are paid for information that leads to an arrest, prosecution and conviction for insurance fraud.
Deputy Attorney General Thomas G. Tresansky, Jr. presented the case to the grand jury. Detectives Eric Flickinger and Brian Bunn led the investigation with assistance from Analyst Marie Beyer.
"Defrauding an insurance carrier and stealing from your boss is not a way to make easy money in New Jersey, it's a way to get yourself locked up," Porrino said. "We will not tolerate anyone who puts their own greed above the law, as we alleged Austin Mongiello has done."
Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.