Following an eight-day jury trial, Fritz Gabriel, a 71-year-old resident of Milton, has been found guilty on multiple counts, including Medicaid fraud, illegal prescribing, and the unlicensed practice of dentistry. The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) confirmed the convictions on February 9, which stem from fraudulent activities involving MassHealth claims.
The prosecution provided evidence that Gabriel billed MassHealth for dental services such as extractions, root canals, and fillings that were not actually rendered. He is also accused of performing these services without a dental license and illegally prescribing controlled substances by using another dentist's registration number. "The total amount believed to have been fraudulently obtained from MassHealth as a result of these submissions is approximately $245,000," detailed the statement from the AGO.
These practices not only violated state regulations that mandate only licensed dentists to both perform certain dental procedures and issue prescriptions but also breached the trust placed in healthcare providers. Gabriel's sentencing is scheduled for February 26 at Suffolk County Superior Court.
The AGO has been active in pursuing those involved in defrauding the state's Medicaid program, with previous cases including a $2 million fraud scheme by a Worcester-based dental practice. This is part of the office's broader mission to combat healthcare-related crimes, supported in part by federal funds. In fact, the Massachusetts Medicaid Fraud Division operates with 75 percent of its funding provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with the remaining 25 percent supplied by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as per the Attorney General’s Office.
Individuals with knowledge of Medicaid fraud or instances of patient neglect are encouraged to report these to the AGO, ensuring that the Medicaid system can be safeguarded against exploitation. Avenues for such complaints and reports can be found on the AGO's official website, thereby contributing to the Division's efforts to protect and serve the health care needs of the community it oversees.
