N.Y. Dentist Gets Drilled in Fraud Scam

New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer announced that a Harlem dentist has admitted to bilking the Medicaid program by fraudulently billing for dental services never provided to patients.

Dr. Ajay Baman, a dentist with offices in Manhattan, pleaded guilty in Manhattan Criminal Court to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony punishable by up to seven years in prison.

As part of his plea, Dr. Baman agreed to repay $500,000 to the Medicaid program for having reportedly falsely billed for dental procedures and services he never provided to his patients. The fraudulent billings occurred between Jan. 3, 1995, and Dec. 21, 2001.

Sentencing was set for Jan. 21, 2005.