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Millions Billed for Dead, Jailed, or Drug-Dealing Caregivers
5 Aug
Summary
- Nineteen people charged with Medicaid fraud schemes.
- Alleged fraud schemes billed over $4 million for fake services.
- Charges include billing for care while in jail or out of country.
Nineteen people have been charged for their alleged roles in schemes that defrauded Pennsylvania's Medicaid program of more than $4 million. The charges, announced on August 4, 2026, target company owners, home health aides, and Medicaid recipients for offenses including health care fraud.
Prosecutors detailed fraudulent practices such as creating false billing records, overlapping shifts, and submitting fraudulent clock-in/clock-out entries. Some home health aides allegedly sought reimbursement for care purportedly provided while they were incarcerated, hospitalized, traveling abroad, or working other jobs.
Authorities highlighted recurring patterns of "impossible work hours." One aide allegedly claimed over 24 hours of care daily on more than 1,100 occasions, billing for over 64,000 unworked hours and leading to $1.2 million in Medicaid payments.
Specific indictments include Joseph Pizzo and Tiziana Taormina, accused of conspiracy and health care fraud resulting in $160,000 in payouts. Other defendants like Donna Romsteadt, Alyssa Cuculino, Louise Israel, and Elexis Cuculino face similar charges, allegedly generating $445,000 in fraudulent payments.
Further charges were brought against Albert Coccia Jr. and his son, Santino Coccia, for allegedly billing over $211,000. Sean Murray is accused of billing $400,000 while allegedly engaged in various illicit activities. Charles Bowie allegedly billed $600,000 while traveling internationally.
Benevolent Home Health LLC and its owners, Khaleelah Williams and Saleemah Davis, are accused of fraud conspiracy and wire fraud, allegedly obtaining $224,000. This included billing for services by Williams' husband during his drug trafficking activities and for a deceased aide.
