A couple from New Windsor, Rohail Raja and Sharma Alam, both 45, have been arrested and charged with Grand Larceny in the First Degree for allegedly defrauding the New York State Medicaid program of more than $2.9 million. The charges were announced by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler.
According to a felony complaint, between February 1, 2020, and August 30, 2024, Raja and Alam used two Medicaid transportation companies they owned to submit fraudulent claims to the New York State Department of Health. Investigators allege that these companies claimed payments for transporting Medicaid recipients to medical appointments that did not occur or billed separately for multiple recipients transported together.
The investigation was a joint effort involving the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the Office of the New York State Comptroller, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange County White Collar Crimes Taskforce. Additional support came from the New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General and the Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center. A search warrant was executed at the couple’s residence as part of the investigation.
Auditors from the Comptroller’s office found that over $2 million was paid for transportation services on dates when provider records showed no visits took place. Further review indicated an additional $895,000 was obtained through false claims about separate trips for multiple recipients who were actually transported together.
Both defendants are being held at Orange County Jail with bail set at $1 million cash, a $5 million partially secured bond, or a $10 million unsecured bond. Their next court appearance is scheduled for November 5, 2025.
“These defendants allegedly systematically schemed to steal nearly 3 million dollars in much needed funds for the health care of deserving New Yorkers,” said DiNapoli. “Thanks to my partnership with District Attorney Hoovler they are now being held accountable. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners across the state to fight Medicaid fraud and abuse and protect our Medicaid system.”
Hoovler stated: “This is the largest Medicaid fraud scheme ever prosecuted by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. I am grateful to Comptroller DiNapoli and his staff for partnering with the District Attorney’s Office and the Orange County White Collar Crimes Taskforce on this important investigation. The work of the investigators and auditors of the Office of State Comptroller was crucial to this investigation. I also thank Sheriff Arteta for continuing to partner with my office, and the other members of the White Collar Taskforce for their dedication to investigate complex financial crimes.”
Sheriff Arteta added: “This case is a prime example of why the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and Orange County DA’s office created the White Collar Crime Task Force. These investigations ensure that we hold the people taking advantage of public funding accountable. The aftermath of these crimes impacts our community in many ways. We need to prevent fraudulent claims from causing a burden on our Medicaid system so that the funding is there for those who need it. A job well done by everyone involved.”
Assistant District Attorney Amanda Bettinelli and Chief Assistant District Attorney Christopher P. Borek are prosecuting this case.
Authorities remind that criminal charges are allegations only; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Comptroller DiNapoli encourages anyone with information about fraud involving taxpayer money to report it via phone at 1-888-672-4555 or online at [email protected], or by mail at his Albany office.
