CAMDEN, N.J. (WCBS 880) – A New Jersey firefighter was convicted on Thursday for defrauding public health insurance plans out of approximately $1 million, authorities said.
Thomas Sher, 50, a Margate firefighter, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and three counts of health care fraud.
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According to court documents, Sher was part of a criminal conspiracy in which state and local government employees were recruited and compensated to receive medically unnecessary compound prescription medications.
Sher caused the pharmacy benefits administrator to pay out almost $1 million for medically unnecessary compound prescription medications for individuals they recruited into the scheme.
Sher directly received approximately $115,000 from the scheme, officials said.
Sher was indicted in March 2019 on charges that they defrauded New Jersey health benefits programs and other insurers.
To date, approximately 40 people have been convicted or pleaded guilty to the conspiracy.
Sher’s brother, John Sher, who is also a Margate firefighter pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
Sher faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.
Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2023.
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