Woman to be Sentenced in Theft, Medicaid Fraud

A Belmont woman who provided personal care services for an elderly woman and was charged with stealing from her is expected to ask a judge to allow her to pay restitution and serve no jail time under the terms of a plea deal.

Jacqueline MacDonald, 40,is alleged to have withdrawn $43,159.90 from the bank account of a 94-year-old woman just days before she had to enter a nursing home in January 2008.

MacDonald is also charged with filing fraudulent Medicaid applications in September 2006 and June 2007 to obtain benefits for herself and her child.

MacDonald was to be sentenced in Belknap County Superior Court, but a motion to continue filed by her attorney, James Moir of Concord indicated, she needed to postpone the hearing until Monday so she could obtain all the money she needs to pay in restitution.

According to a motion filed by her lawyer, MacDonald is seeking a capped plea of 12 months in the House of Corrections, but reserved the right to request that the jail time be fully suspended.

Had the case gone to trial and MacDonald been convicted, she would have faced a 7 1⁄2- to 15-year prison term.

In announcing the indictments, former Attorney General Kelly Ayotte said, "My office will continue to work diligently to protect the state's vulnerable and elderly citizens and also to ensure that the state's welfare benefits such as Medicaid are preserved for those who qualify."

Assistant Attorney General Philip Bradley of the Medicaid Fraud Unit, which investigates both health care provider fraud and allegations involving the financial exploitation and physical abuse of long-term care residents, is prosecuting the case.

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Belmont Woman to be Sentenced in Theft, Medicaid Fraud Case