Man charged with committing Medicaid fraud in Uniontown
The state Office of Attorney General charged a man for allegedly committing Medicaid fraud by submitting time sheets for personal care that was never provided.
Mark Anthony Swegal, 63, of Sharon is listed as the power of attorney for Ralph Abbott, according to court documents. He allegedly arranged a scheme to split money with Brandon Deberry, who is listed as Abbott’s personal care attendant.
Deberry has not been charged in the case.
Medicaid paid $3,513.12 to Uniontown addresses for 312 hours of personal care between Aug. 17, 2014 and Oct. 16, 2014. Prosecutors alleged that care was never provided to Abbott. Swegal and his aunt allegedly collected $2,730 between Sept. 29, 2014 and Oct. 16, 2014 between three checks, which Deberry claimed he did not sign.
Deberry reportedly told investigators he received between $60 and $100 every two weeks during the time frame, court documents indicate.
Deberry told investigators Swegal approached him about listing him as the personal care attended, which he “eventually agreed to do,” Special Agent Nicholas DeRusso wrote in the affidavit. Deberry opened the bank account for deposits, telling agents “Swegal controlled the money in the account, but that Deberry was supposed to be able to get money from the account any time he wanted.” Checks were mailed, and he cashed them and the money to Swegal, he said, according to the affidavit.
Swegal reportedly admitted to investigators Deberry never completed work for Abbott. Deberry was signed up so Swegal could pay other people caring for Abbott, he told agents. He said he knew the agreement was wrong and denied taking money for himself, the affidavit said.
Investigators allege Swegal orchestrated the scheme because he knew he could not collect money for personal care since he was the power of attorney.
The power of attorney of a Medicaid recipient cannot also be that person’s personal care assistant, according to investigators.
Swegal is charged with Medicaid fraud, theft by deception, and conspiracy to commit each crime. He was arraigned Wednesday morning and released on a $10,000 unsecured bond set by Magisterial District Judge Michael Metros.