In a startling development, a couple from Manalapan, New Jersey, has been accused of deceiving the government while applying for Medicaid benefits. Officials from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office announced on October 17 that Eli and Lauren Levy made false statements when seeking assistance through the state’s Family Care Medicaid Program. Further investigations revealed that over a span of five years, the couple generated nearly $4.5 million in income, yet failed to report this on their tax returns.

According to NJ.com, Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago stated that the Medicaid Fraud Division of the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller discovered the couple was fraudulently obtaining benefits through this program. The incriminating information was subsequently passed over to the Prosecutor’s Office, which is now leading the investigation through its Financial Crimes and Special Prosecutions Unit. Additionally, the Criminal Investigation Office of New Jersey’s Department of Treasury is also involved in the inquiry.

The investigation uncovered that the Levys, who owned two businesses, “Supreme Cleaning Services LLC” and “Nation Wide Shippers,” earned approximately $4.48 million between 2018 and 2022. However, they intentionally omitted taxable income from their personal tax returns. Prosecutors allege that the couple evaded taxes amounting to nearly $768,000, plus interest and penalties. Authorities also claim that between 2015 and 2019, the couple fraudulently received over $83,000 worth of medical services through the New Jersey Family Care Medicaid Program.

The 43-year-old couple faces serious charges, including conspiracy, Medicaid fraud, and tax fraud, all classified as second-degree offenses. They are also charged with a third-degree offense related to false statements in their Medicaid application, along with five counts of tax evasion and submitting fraudulent tax returns, also classified as third-degree offenses. The Levys surrendered to authorities on the 15th and were released after receiving a court summons from the Monmouth County Superior Court. Their attorney has not yet responded to requests for comment.