In a recent case that underscores the vulnerability of the elderly, 33-year-old Regina Henaku from Leominster has been indicted on multiple charges. Allegations suggest that through fraudulent means, she posed as a caregiver to steal thousands of dollars from elderly victims within Worcester and Middlesex counties. The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office announced that the Statewide Grand Jury brought forth these indictments on March 20.
Henaku reportedly preyed on at least 16 elderly individuals, using the banking information of 11 to siphon approximately $28,000, and attempting to defraud others. Accusations claim she passed herself off as a professional caregiver by using stolen identities and credentials of a relative, and a former coworker – the details of which were outlined in the grand jury's nine-count indictment, which includes Larceny Over $250 from an Elder or Disabled Person, Credit Card Fraud, and Identity Fraud, amongst other charges. The indictment followed investigations led by various local police departments, who partnered with the AG's Medicaid Fraud Division.
During the period of August to November 2024, Henaku is alleged to have gained employment at five different healthcare-related facilities, working only a few weeks at each before moving on. Her employment trail included a long-term care facility in Framingham, a senior living center in Bedford, and assisted living facilities in Hudson and Leominster. Additionally, while being investigated, Henaku allegedly misled the police about her identity, further complicating her legal predicament.
These charges, as always, are mere allegations until, and unless proven in the courtroom — where Henaku is presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, it appears that the AGO is no stranger to addressing fraud and abuse against elders. Last year, under their Elder Justice Unit established in August 2023, the division secured guilty pleas from a Springfield Medicaid consultant who was charged with embezzling funds from nursing home residents. Further, the AGO boasted its largest-ever settlement in June 2024 with Next Step Healthcare, which agreed to pay $4 million and undergo compliance monitoring in the wake of understaffing allegations.
The case against Henaku was handled by Assistant Attorney General Joanna Staley and Senior Healthcare Fraud Investigator Erica Schlain. Law enforcement from Holliston, Hopkinton, Bedford, Hudson, Leominster, and Framingham also provided notable assistance. This matter underscores the AGO's broader effort to combat health care fraud and protect those, in long-term care. The Massachusetts Medicaid Fraud Division that oversaw this case gets the majority of its funding — 75 percent — from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with the remainder supplied by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
