N.J. Psychologist Gets 5 Years Probation in Fraud Scam

Vaughn McKoy, director, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, announced that a Middlesex County psychologist has been sentenced to five years probation after pleading guilty to continuing to practice psychology without a license and for filing fraudulent health care claim forms.

According to Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Greta Gooden-Brown, David M. Fink, 75, of Metuchen, Middlesex County, was sentenced by Middlesex County Superior Court Judge Frederick DeVesa on Oct. 15.

Gooden-Brown noted that Fink was initially charged on June 5, 2002 with Health Care Claims Fraud. Fink subsequently pleaded guilty to the charge. Fink’s license to practice psychology was revoked and he was sentenced to three years probation on the initial charge.

A follow-up investigation reportedly determined that in direct violation of probation, Fink continued to accept patients, provided psychological counseling services, and fraudulently billed insurance companies for treating at least 34 patients.

The insurance companies include: The Oxford Health Plan, New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company, and The United Health Group Insurance Company.

Fink was charged a second time with Health Care Claims Fraud via a Middlesex County Grand Jury indictment returned on April 30, 2004.