Accused of defrauding insurance companies of $40,244

Azadeh Ahmadi, a nutritionist with offices in Passaic and Ridgewood was charged in a state grand jury indictment Wednesday for allegedly engaging in fraudulent billing to insurance companies that totaled $40,244.

Ahmadi, 42, was indicted on two counts of second-degree health care claims fraud and two counts of third-degree theft by deception.

The indictment alleges that between May 2, 2005 and June 3, 2007, Ahmadi made false statements to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield that nutrition counseling services were provided to several patients and that some of her patients suffered from diabetes. It is alleged that the nutrition counseling services were, in fact, not provided and the patients did not suffer from diabetes.

The investigation by the state Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor revealed that Ahmadi allegedly received approximately $18,111 from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield and $22,133 from Aetna Insurance Co.

Deputy Attorney General James A. Carey, Jr., Det. Christine Sullivan and Civil Investigator Lisa Yildiz were assigned to the investigation. Carey presented the case to the state grand jury.

Second-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison and a criminal fine of $150,000, while third-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of five years in state prison and a criminal fine of $15,000. Ahmadi may also face civil insurance fraud fines.

—TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM