New Jersey Man Sentenced for Stealing $1.1 Million in Workers’ Compensation Scheme

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Amrish Patel Used Stolen Funds to Buy Luxury Vehicles and Vacations

ALBANY, NY – Amrish Patel, 62, of Monroe Township, New Jersey, has been sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay $300,000 in restitution after being convicted of stealing more than $1.1 million intended for doctors treating injured workers under New York’s Workers’ Compensation Law. Patel’s fraudulent scheme, which spanned seven years, funneled funds intended for three Brooklyn-based surgeons into his personal accounts, financing luxury vehicles and lavish vacations.

The sentencing, announced jointly by New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang, marks the conclusion of a joint investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), the Inspector General’s Workers’ Compensation Fraud Unit, and the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF).

As a medical billing agent, Patel was responsible for submitting insurance claims for surgeries performed on injured workers. Instead of directing payments to the orthopedic practice as required, Patel falsified hundreds of claim forms, diverting checks to his companies and forging one doctor’s signature to further cover his tracks.

Patel stole at least $1.1 million from January 2012 to January 2019. A forensic audit revealed that he used the funds to withdraw nearly $1 million in cash and to pay for luxury vehicles, including Audi and Mercedes-Benz models, as well as trips to London, Portugal, and Las Vegas.

The scheme unraveled in 2018 when an office manager at the practice discovered a fax showing a check issued directly to one of Patel’s companies.

Patel pleaded guilty in September to one count of Insurance Fraud in the Second Degree, a Class C felony. His sentence includes restitution and probation, along with previous payments made to victims through a private civil settlement.

“Stealing funds meant to care for injured workers harms not only medical professionals but also New Yorkers relying on these critical resources,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “We will continue to pursue those who exploit our health care and compensation systems for personal gain.”

Inspector General Lucy Lang echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the sentencing highlights New York’s commitment to rooting out fraud. “This case sends a clear message: those who defraud our systems will face serious consequences,” Lang said.

The case underscores the collaborative efforts between state agencies to protect the integrity of the Workers’ Compensation system. Gaurav Vasisht, Executive Director and CEO of NYSIF, stressed that such frauds increase the financial burden on honest businesses and taxpayers.

Patel’s case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in detecting and prosecuting fraud in systems designed to assist injured workers.

To report suspected fraud or corruption in New York State’s government or Workers’ Compensation system, individuals can contact the Inspector General’s Office via the toll-free hotline 1-800-DO-RIGHT or visit ig.ny.gov.