Saturday, June 23, 2012

Florida AG: Woman Charged for Exploiting Disabled

An Alachua County woman, Zonia Cooper, was arrested after an investigation by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the state attorney’s office, alleging she exploited 11 disabled adults.

The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is dedicated to protecting elderly and disabled adults in health-care facilities throughout Florida, and we will not allow these individuals to be exploited or abused,” Attorney General Pam Bondi stated in a release.

Cooper, 44, was the former group home manager at Arc of Alachua Group Home, according to a release from the attorney general’s office.

According to the investigation, Cooper misappropriated more than $1,300 from 11 disabled adults under her supervision. Cooper has been charged with 11 counts of exploitation of a disabled adult and one count of scheme to defraud, all third-degree felonies. If convicted of all charges, Cooper faces up to 60 years in prison and a $60,000 fine.

The case will be prosecuted by William P. Cervone, state attorney for the 8th Judicial Circuit.

Source:
Pam Bondi: Alachua Woman Charged for Exploiting Disabled

3 comments:

Betty said...

Florida has got to be the hub of medicaid fraud!

NASGA said...

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Holly said...

So let me get this straight... The Florida AG prosecuted this thief BUT when my physically healthy, 76 yr. old mother who domiciled and resided in Pennsylvania with Advance Directives in place was taken to FL on vacation the AG would not lift a finger as I pleaded for their help. It has been 5 yrs now and mother has never returned after falling prey to Officer's of the Volusia County Florida Court including Professional Guardian, Jetta L. Getty owner of Young at Heart Elderly Services in Port Orange FL. Mother's approx. $470,000.00 estate was converted in to unnecessary legal fees, guardian fees, rent and drug charges among other plunder then she too was allegedly put on medicaid. Isn't that medicaid fraud?? Shouldn't it be?? Currently Jetta Getty has our mother in an undisclosed location. Our family was torn apart and to the Florida AG... I say THANKS FOR NOTHING!
By Holly on Florida AG: Woman Charged for Exploiting Disabled... at 8:37 PM

Lily said...

Good going, on this one, FL AG.

Holly's right, though. What about her mother?