Thursday, June 21, 2012

Dentist, Dr. Marieve Rodriguez, sentenced to 9 months in jail for Medicaid fraud and loss of license

A prominent Wilmington dentist was sentenced to nine months in prison Wednesday for a years-long fraud that bilked the state’s Medicaid program of more than $71,900.

Marieve Rodriguez, who had negotiated a plea agreement that only called for home confinement, broke down after Superior Court Judge John A. Parkins Jr. announced the sentence, leaning on one of her attorneys for support. Parkins said he was sending a message that such sustained, methodical fraud will be severely punished.

Rodriguez, who operates Gentle Care Family Dentistry on Gilpin Avenue, Wilmington, will lose her medical license for a year. Her sentence also includes a $100,000 fine, repaying prosecution costs of $49,000, paying $71,900 restitution, and 600 hours of community service.

Delaware Online