By PATRICK BUCHNOWSKI
JOHNSTOWN — A Blair County man who helped children with behavioral problems was charged with Medicaid fraud after authorities said he faked his credentials to get jobs in Johnstown.
The state Attorney General’s Office on Tuesday charged Justin Glenn Filer, 34, of Newry, with two felony counts of Medicaid fraud.
Filer had been employed as a behavioral specialist consultant and mobile therapist.
He worked for Alternative Community Resource Program from June 18, 2007, until Aug. 4 of this year and for Universal Community Behavioral Health/The Meadows from Aug. 1, 2005, until Nov. 2, 2006.
A behaviorial specialist consultant must be a licensed doctoral-level psychologist or a master’s-level mental health clinician, court documents said.
The state investigation began after officials for the nonprofit organizations were unable to verify Filer’s college degrees.
“The issue here is he falsified his credentials,” said Nils Frederiksen, deputy press secretary for the attorney general in Harrisburg.
“He wasn’t qualified to provide those services. He allegedly purchased those degrees from nonexistent Internet universities.”
Filer provided his employers with copies of diplomas for a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree, both from Vernell University in Middletown, N.Y.
Investigators said Vernell University is a “diploma mill” that awards degrees based upon payment and not for classwork and grades.
Filer was hired to provide services to 43 clients.
He submitted his hours to ACRP, which then submitted claims to the state Department of Public Welfare Medical Assistance program.
UCBH also submitted claims for services provided by Filer.
Filer appeared before District Judge Michael Musulin of Johnstown and was released on his own recognizance.
