Essex County Man Indicted for Allegedly Stealing Over $3.4 Million from Medicaid
A man from East Orange was indicted for Medicaid fraud and tax evasion for robbing the agency of over $3.4 million. Vincente Lopez, 63, is accused of running Joyce Lopez & Associates, his sister’s counseling practice, and submitting thousands of fraudulent claims for unprovided services.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said Lopez took over the practice in 2021 after his sister died. Lopez allegedly advised staff to file over 34,000 psychological care claims under a qualified psychiatrist who was unaware of the plan despite not being a Medicaid provider. The practicing psychiatrist saw no patients.
Invoicing for missed appointments and claiming psychological treatment while case management was done were false claims. Approximately $3.4 million from Medicaid was wrongfully received.
Lopez is accused of tax and healthcare fraud. He may have evaded state income taxes in 2021–2023. Lopez allegedly amended paperwork without declaring entire income after state notified. He owed $99,709 in personal income taxes, civil fraud penalties, and interest as of June 18, 2025.
Lopez faces charges of second-degree health care claims fraud, theft by deception, Medicaid fraud, and third-degree tax evasion and submitting fake tax forms. State officials fight Medicaid fraud and ensure healthcare responsibility in the case.
Sources
New Jersey Attorney General’s Office Press Release
New Jersey 101.5 FM News Report
RLS Media News Article
