Germantown Woman, Daughter Charged in Medicaid Fraud Scheme Crimes alleged to have transpired in Baltimore City

BALTIMORE, MD ( Jan. 13, 2012) – Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that Hellen Njeri Ngatia, 44, and her daughter, Gladys Muthoni Ngatia, 25, both of Germantown, were charged in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City with one count each of Medicaid Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Medicaid Fraud. It is alleged that, beginning in April 2009 and continuing through January 2010, Hellen Ngatia conspired with Gladys Ngatia to submit a series of claims for payment to Medicaid falsely representing that Hellen had provided licensed practical nurse services to a Medicaid recipient.

Medicaid is a health care program for families and children and certain other individuals who qualify based on income levels, disability, and certain other circumstances. Felony Medicaid Fraud and Conspiracy are punishable by up to five years incarceration and up to a $100,000.00 fine for each offense.

A criminal information is merely an accusation of wrongdoing and all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until the State proves the individual guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. An arraignment is scheduled for February 22, 2012.

The case is being prosecuted by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Maryland Attorney General’s Office.

Media Contact:
David Paulson, 410-576-6357
dpaulson@oag.state.md.us