Attorney General James Announces Guilty Plea of Former Not-For-Profit Executive for Stealing Hundreds of Thousands From Medicaid

 

Shirley Goddard, Former Executive Director of H.O.M.E., Expected to Pay More Than $650,000 in Restitution

  New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the guilty plea of Shirley L. Goddard — 75, of Dewitt, New York — for embezzling more than $650,000 from Humanitarian Organization for Multicultural Experiences, Inc. (H.O.M.E.), where she served as executive director for nearly 30 years. H.O.M.E. — a Syracuse-based not-for-profit organization started by Goddard and her husband, Tyrone M. Goddard, in 1992 — received funding from Medicaid to provide outpatient, community-based services to children and adults who are developmentally disabled. In submitting her plea today, Goddard admitted to stealing the funds from H.O.M.E. from January 2014 to September 2018, and has agreed to repay the stolen amount in restitution to the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU). The funds will be returned to H.O.M.E. to replenish the amount that Goddard stole.

“Stealing public funds that are intended for New York’s neediest residents is as shameful as it is unlawful,” said Attorney General James. “Medicaid funds are intended to help serve our state’s most vulnerable communities, but Shirley Goddard defrauded this program and illegally pocketed hundreds of thousands of dollars. To be clear, my office has zero tolerance for this type of fraud, which is why we will hold accountable, to the fullest extent of the law, all those who seek to illegally profit from the state and off the backs of our most vulnerable residents.” 

Today, before Onondaga County Court Judge Thomas J. Miller, Goddard pled not guilty to the felony complaint, waived presentation to a grand jury, and entered a guilty plea to a superior court information, in which she admitted to embezzling $650,809.32 from H.O.M.E. during the period of January 1, 2014 to on or about September 30, 2018. Goddard is scheduled to be sentenced on May 13, 2022.

In addition to the criminal prosecution conducted by MFCU, OAG’s Charities Bureau filed a civil lawsuit against Shirley and Tyrone Goddard that seeks the recovery of the funds Ms. Goddard has admitted to stealing, as well as other misappropriated charitable assets and seeks a permanent bar prohibiting the Goddards from holding any fiduciary role in a charitable or nonprofit organization operating in New York.

MFCU’s investigation was led by Detective Timothy Bates with the assistance of Supervising Detective Christopher M. Burns, all under the supervision of Deputy Chief Commanding Officer William Falk. The underlying financial analysis was completed by Senior Auditor-Investigator Christine Rhody, under the supervision of Syracuse Regional Chief Auditor Dejan Budimir.

MFCU jointly investigated this case with Assistant Attorney General Sharon Sash with the assistance of Associate Accountant Darren Beauchamp, under the supervision of Charities Bureau Enforcement Section Co-Chief Emily Stern. The Charities Bureau is led by Bureau Chief James Sheehan and Deputy Bureau Chief Karin Kunstler-Goldman, and is a part of the Division for Social Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux.

The criminal case is being prosecuted by Regional Director Ralph D. Tortora, III. MFCU is led by Director Amy Held and Assistant Deputy Attorney General Paul J. Mahoney. The Division for Criminal Justice is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General José Maldonado. Both the Division for Criminal Justice and the Division for Social Justice are overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

Reporting Medicaid Provider Fraud: MFCU defends the public by addressing Medicaid provider fraud and protecting nursing home residents from abuse and neglect. If an individual believes they have information about Medicaid provider fraud or about an incident of abuse or neglect of a nursing home resident, they can file a confidential complaint online on the OAG website or by calling the MFCU hotline at (800) 771-7755. If the situation is an emergency, please call 911.

MFCU’s total funding for federal fiscal year (FY) 2022 is $59,918,216. Of that total, 75 percent — or $44,938,664 — is awarded under a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The remaining 25 percent of the approved grant — totaling $14,979,552 for FY 2022 — is funded by New York state. Through its recoveries in law enforcement actions, MFCU regularly returns more to the state than it receives in state funding.

Correctional Officer Greg Mckenzie Indicted For Obstructing Investigation Of Smuggling Of Firearm Into Metropolitan Correctional Center

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Ryan T. Geach, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General New York Field Office (“DOJ-OIG”), announced the unsealing of an indictment charging GREG MCKENZIE, a Bureau of Prisons correctional officer, with obstructing a federal investigation into the smuggling of a firearm into the Metropolitan Correctional Center (“MCC”).  The loaded firearm was recovered from inside the MCC on March 5, 2020.  MCKENZIE was arrested today and will be presented before Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger later today.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Greg McKenzie is alleged to have obstructed justice by lying to federal agents investigating the smuggling of a firearm into the MCC in 2020.  His alleged use of a prepaid cellphone to communicate secretly with an inmate from whose prison cell the firearm was recovered and subsequent false denials about those communications is a serious crime.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll said:  “McKenzie allegedly obstructed justice when he lied to federal investigators regarding his contact with a MCC inmate who last occupied a cell in which a loaded firearm was discovered.  As a federal corrections officer, McKenzie was responsible for protecting the welfare of the inmates and his coworkers in the facility.  Instead of fulfilling that duty, he chose to lie to the agents investigating a gravely serious violation of safety protocols.  With today’s charges, he will be forced to face the consequences of his actions.”

DOJ-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Ryan T. Geach said:  “McKenzie’s alleged lying and obstruction of a federal investigation are serious offenses, especially because a loaded firearm in the hands of an inmate endangers not just the prison, but the entire community.”

According to the Indictment[1] unsealed today:

On or about March 5, 2020, a loaded .22 caliber firearm (the “Firearm”) was recovered from inside an MCC prison cell that had last been occupied by two inmates, including “Inmate-1.”  Several weeks before the Firearm was recovered, Inmate-1 and his wife had each communicated by phone with a particular cellphone used by MCKENZIE (the “McKenzie Prepaid Cellphone”).  However, when law enforcement agents interviewed MCKENZIE regarding the Firearm investigation, MCKENZIE falsely denied having any connection to the McKenzie Prepaid Cellphone.

Specifically, on January 30, 2020, MCKENZIE purchased the McKenzie Prepaid Cellphone from a store in lower Manhattan, just moments after having withdrawn approximately $120 in cash from a nearby ATM.  The next day, MCKENZIE used the McKenzie Prepaid Cellphone to repeatedly exchange calls with Inmate-1 – who was using a contraband cellphone from within the MCC – and Inmate-1’s wife. 

Meanwhile, cellphone location information revealed that the McKenzie Prepaid Cellphone frequently traveled between MCKENZIE’s Danbury, Connecticut residence and the MCC on dates and times consistent with MCKENZIE’s work schedule.  On the evening of January 31, 2020, MCKENZIE and Inmate-1’s wife each briefly traveled to the same location in the Bronx at the same time, and MCKENZIE thereafter traveled directly to the MCC to begin a shift beginning at midnight on February 1, 2020, whereupon he was assigned to the very unit where Inmate-1 was housed and from where the Firearm was later recovered.  

Surveillance video and call detail records further established that after beginning his February 1, 2020, shift, MCKENZIE and a colleague conducted a routine check of Inmate-1’s cellblock.  Moments later, Inmate-1, using a contraband cellphone, called and then texted the McKenzie Prepaid Cellphone.  Within minutes, MCKENZIE briefly returned to Inmate 1’s cellblock – this time alone – while appearing to carry an object under his left arm. 

On November 4, 2021, two federal agents conducted a voluntary interview with MCKENZIE.  During the interview, MCKENZIE falsely denied ownership, possession, and use of the McKenzie Prepaid Cellphone, and falsely denied ever using any prepaid cellphone to communicate with an MCC inmate or inmate’s associate.       

MCKENZIE, 35, of Danbury, Connecticut, is charged with one count of false statements, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2), which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and one count of obstruction of justice, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(2), which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI, DOJ-OIG, Special Agents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New York.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Expand the Opioid Settlement Board from 19 to 21 Members

Governor Announces Two New Appointments 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today, after signing legislation expanding the Opioid Settlement Board from 19 members to 21 members, announced her two appointments to the Board.

"As we make our comeback from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must commit to also mitigating the impact of the opioid pandemic New Yorkers have endured for many years," Governor Hochul said. "That is why I am appointing Anne Constantino and Debra Pantin, two dedicated and qualified public servants to work with me in delivering results to improve prevention, treatment, and recovery for New Yorkers who need our support."

Anne Constantino has been appointed to the Opioid Settlement Board. Ms. Constantino is the President & CEO of Horizon Health Services, and has worked at Horizon since 1986 where she began as Chief Operating Officer. As CEO, Ms. Constantino has seen an expansion of services in Western New York. As a result of the expansion, Horizon Health Services have grown and become one of the largest providers of mental health and addiction treatment and support services providers in Western New York. Ms. Constantino is a proud Western New Yorker, having graduated from Buffalo State (BA) and SUNY Buffalo (MS). Ms. Constantino is active in her community and on multiple boards such as: Amherst Chamber of Commerce, Executive Committee member: NYS Addiction Services Providers, Executive Committee: Coalition for Community Services, A Network of New York SUD treatment agencies. 

Debra Pantin has been appointed to the Opioid Settlement Board. Ms. Pantin is the President & CEO of the Outreach Development Corporation located in Richmond Hill, New York. As CEO, Ms. Pantin focuses on using her 30 years of experience in the substance abuse and mental health treatment field. By trade, Ms. Pantin is a social worker by trade who has an extensive background in uplifting communities and improving outcomes. While working as CEO of VIP Community Services in the Bronx, Ms. Pantin was able to help oversee unprecedented growth in agency operations. Funding was raised from $21 million to $30 million under her watch. MS. Pantin is President of the Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers of New York State (ASAPNYS) and is the Chair of Mental Health News Education's Board of Directors. She participates in numerous national, state and local boards, and was previously the Co-Chair of the Substance Abuse Treatment Committee for the Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies.

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) made three recommendations for appointment to the Opioid Settlement Board that are currently being reviewed.

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2 Important Surveys: Your Response Is Requested The Bronx Chamber is working with the NYC Department of Small Business Services to better understand NYC small business owners’ need for funding. This will help the City design better solutions to help small businesses grow.  This 5-minute survey will assist in collecting information about small business’s experience with, and interest in, financing assistance.  Click here to submit your response

 

Please take this separate 5-minute Small Business Regulatory Survey to add your voice regarding the impact violations have on NYC small businesses. This brief survey will allow you to share what small business go through, and for NYC government to assess the common violations. To share additional feedback please email the NYC SBS Regulatory Reform at regreform@sbs.nyc.gov.

Update on NYC DOT Shared E-Scooter Pilot Program

Since the August 2021 launch of the shared e-scooter pilot program that started last year in the Northeast Bronx (serving Eastchester, Wakefield, Pelham Parkway, and Co-Op City), residents and visitors have taken over 425,000 rides, an average of more than 2,100 rides per day. DOT plans to expand the service area in June 2022, bringing the pilot to Parkchester, Soundview, and Throggs Neck. The three participating companies, Bird, Lime and Veo, will continue to provide service across the East Bronx.   Click to access the feedback map which allows users to place pins down at locations where they’d like to see designated parking corrals, which will help organize the scooters on busy corridors. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce was glad to be part of the launch effort last year, and will continue to support ongoing promotion of this initiative to improve access to afforable transportation options in the borough.

Don't Miss Our Upcoming Events!

Tuesday March 29 8:30 - 10:00am The Conference Center at 1200 Waters Place, Hutch Metro Center Join representatives from Ponce Bank as they present an in-person workshop on Risk Management to the Bronx Chamber community, covering: Building Your Financial Future Assets and Assets Building Creating A Financial Foundation Training and Education Register HERE

Tuesday April 5 9:00 - 10:00am Want to travel to Egypt with the Bronx Chamber? Join representatives from Aventura World at our Virtual Info Session to learn about an exclusive Early Bird deal for the Bronx Chamber Community. Our President Lisa Sorin (see photo) went on this life-changing trip last year! Access the full travel packet here, and click below to register for the 4/5 Zoom where you can get all your pressing questions answered: Register for the Virtual Info Session HERE

Tuesday April 12 6:00pm Wingate by Wyndham Haven Park Hotel Spring into Networking Mixer Member Tickets: $20 Future Members: $25 We had a blast at our most recent St. Patrick's day mixer and we hope to see you at the next one on April 12 where you'll enjoy complimentary food on the gorgeous Haven Park Hotel Rooftop, sponsored by Rosa's at Park restaurant and the Wingate! Register HERE

Wednesday April 13 9:00am Your Financial Journey Workshop Part of our BxCC How to Get Bankable Series Join the Bronx Chamber and Yesenia Quinones, Bronx Community Manager for JPM Chase, for a free online workshop that will guide you through your financial journey with an in-depth discussion on savings and budgeting. RSVP HERE

Save the Date: Thursday, April 21 Earth Day Networking Breakfast, Bronx Zoo, Schiff Hall

For the complete Bronx Chamber Events Calendar, featuring educational workshops, networking events and other opportunities hosted by the Chamber, its members, & partners, please visit and bookmark our website events calendar link in your browser - new events are added weekly!

Bronx Chamber Foundation Signature Event

Women of Distinction Event Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope Honoring Christine Croke, RN Montefiore Weiler Hospital, Einstein Campus Friday, March 25, 2022 11:30am - 2:00pm at Villa Barone Manor Many thanks to our sponsors (list to date): Con Edison, Ponce Bank, Verizon, The Monroe Foundation, Simone Development, New York Botanical Garden, Orange Bank & Trust Co., KZA Realty, Sandra Erickson Real Estate, Woodlawn Cemetery & Conservancy, F&F Insurance, Metro Optics, & MBD Housing Information: foundation@bronxchamber.org

NYC Small Business Services Webinar

Wednesday, March 23 from 1:00 - 2:30pm NYC Small Business Services (SBS) experts will share information about the M/WBE certification process and eligibility requirements, and how you can best leverage your certification to build relationships with key government contacts and increase your opportunities to do business with the City. The City spends up to $20 billion per year on goods and services. Getting certified will help you compete for these opportunities and access exclusive programs to help your small business grow! REGISTER HERE

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