Former Haven Health Care Bookkeeper Arrested on Fraud and Obstruction Charges
| U.S. Attorney’s Office April 30, 2009 |
Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that SERENA SYLVIA, 40, of Fargo Road, Waterford, has been arrested on a federal Criminal Complaint charging her with obstruction of a federal health care fraud investigation, making false statements relating to health care, and embezzlement from a health care benefit program. SYLVIA was arrested today by agents with the federal Health Care Fraud Task Force.
According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, SYLVIA was employed as a Regional Accounts Receivable Manager for Haven Health Care Management, LLC. In January 2008, SYLVIA allegedly forged the signature of a resident of Haven Health Center of Jewett City nursing home in order to assist a collection action against the resident. It is alleged that SYLVIA subsequently falsely testified in state court concerning the signature, and denied forging the signature to federal agents.
SYLVIA also is charged with embezzling funds from nursing home resident trust fund accounts in 2007 and 2008. The nursing homes affected by SYLVIA’s embezzlement include Haven Health Center of Jewett City, Haven Health Center of Norwich, Haven Health Center of Waterford, and Haven Health Center of Soundview in West Haven.
Following her arrest, SYLVIA appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven, who released SYLVIA on bond pending a probable cause hearing that is scheduled for May 20, 2009.
“This alleged conduct was discovered during a larger investigation of the operation of Haven Health Care,” Acting U.S. Attorney Dannehy stated. “As part of our obligation to ensure that health care funds are properly accounted for and spent, our investigation is continuing.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Dannehy stressed that a Complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to have this matter presented to a grand jury and, in the event an indictment is returned, she is entitled to a trial at which it will be the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by the federal Health Care Fraud Task Force, including agents from the Offices of the Inspectors General of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, along with agents from the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Sheldon and Auditor Susan Spiegel.
Acting U.S. Attorney Dannehy encouraged individuals who suspect health care fraud to report it by calling the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 785-9270 or 1-800-HHS-TIPS.