Branford Woman Charged With Financial Exploitation: Chief State Atty.

BRANFORD, CT —A Branford woman has been arrested and charged with financial exploitation of a Medicaid recipient’s trust account, according to state officials.

Jennifer Rose, 47, of Branford, was arrested Wednesday by inspectors from the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney. She was charged with first-degree larceny.

According to the arrest warrant affidavit, between January 2020 and January 2021, Rose was the trustee of a disabled Medicaid recipient’s trust account. The trust was designed to provide support and care for the Medicaid recipient, Patrick J. Griffin noted.

Records reveal that Rose made numerous purchases and withdrawals from the trust account that were not on behalf of the Medicaid recipient and used the monies for trips and purchases for her own interests, depleting the account, in the amount of $61,016.41, according to the Chief State Attorney.

The money profited by her in the amount of $61,016.41 constitutes the crime of first-degree larceny, a B Felony, which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Rose was released on a $75,000.00 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Milford Superior Court Jan. 29.

Griffin's office pointed out that the charge is an accusation, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case was investigated and will be prosecuted by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The Unit is grateful for the assistance of the state Department of Developmental Services and the Milford Police Department.

The Connecticut Medicaid Fraud Control Unit receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $2,362,872.00 for the fiscal year of October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $787,620.00 for the same fiscal year, is funded by the state.

Anyone with knowledge of suspected fraud or abuse in the public healthcare system is asked to contact the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit at the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney at (860) 258-5986.