In partnership with local law enforcement, OIFP committed staff and resources to the investigation and prosecution of arson-related insurance fraud throughout the State. As a result, in November 2023, the State grand jury charged a former Camden County man with, among other charges, second-degree aggravated arson and second-degree insurance fraud. The charges related to a 2018 fire that caused significant damage to a house in Cherry Hill. OIFP’s investigation found that the defendant started the fire with the purpose of destroying the home and collecting insurance proceeds for the damage.
In 2023, OIFP developed the School Outreach Program in which OIFP staff, including attorneys, detectives, and civil investigators, visit schools (elementary through college) in an effort to educate students about OIFP, insurance fraud, and law enforcement in general. The program exposes students to the daily responsibilities of OIFP staff and the journey that led them to their respective careers. Since the program’s inception, OIFP presented at over 35 schools, building bridges between law enforcement and the public, while encouraging students to consider a career in law enforcement.
Throughout the year, in furtherance of its mission, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) aggressively combatted Medicaid fraud and the abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of elderly or disabled individuals. In 2023, approximately twenty-five defendants were indicted, pleaded guilty, or sentenced.
In 2023, OIFP continued its successful statewide awareness campaign aimed at discouraging New Jerseyans from leaving their cars unlocked with the key fob inside, as we observed that for the vast majority of the vehicles stolen, the key fob had been left in the vehicle or the vehicle was left running.
