N.Y. State Opticians Co-Owner Arrested on Fraud Charges

New York Superintendent Gregory Serio and Albany County District Attorney Paul Clyne announced the arrest of Dierdre Wolberg, co-owner of State Opticians in Albany, N.Y.

Wolberg was arrested for Grand Larceny in the 3rd Degree, a Class D felony, Insurance Fraud in the 2nd Degree a C felony, Falsifying Business Records in the 1st Degree a Class E felony and Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the 2nd Degree a Class D felony.

It is alleged that the defendant, co-owner of State Opticians, defrauded the Capital District Physicians Health Plan (CDPHP) of Albany out of $32,000 in bogus claims. The defendant and her company reportedly attempted to obtain over $50,000 in fraudulent payments.

The investigation revealed that State Opticians sent claim forms to CDPHP with doctor’s signatures after the doctor had passed away. State Opticians reportedly backdated forms to coincide with the time when the doctor worked for State Opticians and had a contract with CDPHP, prior to his death. In addition, it is alleged that State Optician’s inflated some of their claims and submitted payment requests for services never performed. A total number of 832 fraudulent payment claims were submitted to CDPHP with the deceased doctor’s signature.

Wolberg, who surrendered, was arraigned in the Albany City Court by Judge Carter and was released after the Court set bail at $5,000.