Prosecutor: Suspended Cop, Sister Plead Guilty to Health Insurance Fraud

A suspended police officer and his sister pleaded guilty on Tuesday to charges in connection with a health insurance fraud scheme, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced on Tuesday.

Alix Antoine, 38, a suspended 12-year veteran of the Asbury Park Police Department and his 44-year-old sister, Patricia Louis, aka Patricia Antoine, of Clifton, pleaded guilty to third-degree insurance fraud in Monmouth County Court on Tuesday morning. They return for sentencing on June 9 will both apply for admission to the pre-trial intervention program (PTI).

The charges stemmed from an investigation conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office that revealed Antoine, of Neptune Township, while employed as a member of the Asbury Park Police Department, filed false documents enabling Louis to obtain medical benefits for her and her son that she was not entitled to receive.

Antoine’s health insurance benefits were provided by his employer, the Asbury Park Police Department.

Both defendants have agreed to pay restitution to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield in the amount of $189,645.84. Judge Justus also ordered that Antoine’s employment as a police officer with the Asbury Park Police Department be forfeited as of Feb. 21, 2017. Antoine is also forever disqualified from holding any public office or employment in the state of New Jersey.

Antoine has been out on bail, which was set at $150,000, with no 10 percent option, at the time of his arrest on June 22, 2015. Louis was released on her own recognizance at the time of her arrest on June 22, 2015.

On June 27, 2016, Antoine was named in a four-count indictment charging him with one count each of second-degree official misconduct, conspiracy to commit official misconduct, insurance fraud and third-degree tampering with public records.

Louis was also named in the indictment and charged with one count each of second-degree conspiracy to commit official misconduct and insurance fraud.

In November 2012, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the leadership of Prosecutor Gramiccioni, launched a Corruption Tip Line designed to solicit the public’s assistance in identifying and targeting corruption, fraud and misconduct occurring in local governmental agencies.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office has prosecuted 14 police officers between 2011 and today, including Antoine.

Citizens may report concerns via the following: Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Corruption Tip Line – 855-7-UNJUST (855 786-5878); or E-mail at: [email protected] write “Corruption/Misconduct Tip” in the subject line.

— Edited press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office