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Saddle River NJ, four people have been charged for their roles in a kickback conspiracy involving COVID-19 testing that defrauded federal health insurance programs, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Another payment alleged for Democrat Party Boss Ferriero
MARCH 27, 2015, 1:17 PM LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015, 11:58 PM
BY PETER J. SAMPSON
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
A federal prosecutor on Friday alleged that Joseph A. Ferriero, the former Bergen County Democratic chief, was paid more than $100,000 by a criminal defense attorney after a Teaneck dermatologist was approved for a program that allowed him to sidestep prosecution on charges of groping female patients.
The money was in addition to the $100,000 federal authorities previously said Ferriero received from a Teaneck law firm that represented the doctor, Gangaram Ragi, in his successful attempt to retain his medical license.
Ferriero, on trial in federal court in Newark, is accused of using his influence as party chairman in a series of kickback, bribery and extortion schemes. The prosecution has rested, and the defense has begun calling witnesses.
After the jury was excused on Friday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachael Honig told the judge that the government has a right to bring up instances — not included in the indictment, such as the alleged payments — in which Ferriero allegedly used his political influence for profit.
