TRENTON - Attorney General Peter C. Harvey
announced that the Division
of Criminal Justice - Office
of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor has
filed additional charges of witness tampering
against a Russian immigrant already facing
trial in Bergen County on charges of practicing
dentistry without a license and insurance
fraud. The investigation and State Grand
Jury indictment allege that the defendant
arranged to have a purported member of
Russian organized crime contact the witness
in an effort to have the witness change
anticipated testimony at time of trial.
According to Vaughn L. McKoy, Director,
Division of Criminal Justice, and Insurance
Fraud Prosecutor Greta Gooden-Brown, the
superceding State Grand Jury indictment
charges Lev Natovich, 36, Pine Terrace,
Franklin Lakes, Bergen County with second
degree tampering with witnesses and informants.
In addition, Natovich, his father, Boris
Natovich, 57, also of Pine Terrace, Franklin
Lakes, and Joseph P. Matriss, 80, Passaic
Street, Hasbrouck Heights, were re-indicted
on charges of second degree conspiracy,
Health Care Claims Fraud, and theft by
deception (3rd degree). Lev and Boris
Natovich were also charged with third
degree conspiracy. A second degree crime
carries a maximum penalty of up to ten
years in state prison and a fine of up
to $150,000, while third degree crimes
carry maximum penalties of up to five
years in state prison and a fine of up
$15,000. The defendants also face possible
civil insurance fraud fines pursuant to
the Insurance Fraud Prevention Act. The
defendants will be ordered to appear in
Bergen County Superior Court for arraignment
and bail.
According to Insurance Fraud Prosecutor
Gooden-Brown, the superceding State Grand
Jury indictment alleges that in November,
2003, Lev Natovich approached a witness
in the case, and by threat of force, requested
that the witness alter anticipated testimony
with respect to the pending trial. It
is also alleged that Natovich subsequently
instructed a purported member of Russian
organized crime to contact the witness
with instructions on what to say when
questioned about the case and how to testify
at trial.
The initial State Grand Jury indictment
(July 10, 2003) alleged that from September,
1999 to March, 2002, the Natovich’s
performed varying dental procedures on
at least 33 patients without any formal
training in dentistry and without obtaining
any state, federal or international license.
The investigation determined that Boris
Natovich and Matriss assisted Lev Natovich
in the day-to-day operation of United
Dental Center located at 35 Wallington
Ave., Wallington, Bergen County. United
Dental Center provided dental treatment
to patients, including children, that
included extractions, root canal, fillings,
and the fitting of partials and bridges.
Boris Natovich was the registered owner
of the dental center, while Lev Natovich
was identified as the office manager.
Matriss was identified as a licensed dentist
who performed dental services at United
Dental Center.
The indictment also charged that the Natovich’s
and United Dental Center submitted thousands
of dollars in fraudulent bills to various
insurance companies, including Local 338
Fund and Delta Dental Insurance, for dental
services and treatments which were never
provided or which falsely reflected that
Matriss was the treating dentist. It is
also alleged that Matriss did not perform
the dental procedures and that the patients
were treated by the Natovich’s or
others who were not licenced to practice
dentistry.
The investigation was conducted by the
Division of Criminal Justice - Office
of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor. State Investigator
Frederic Moore, Civil Investigator Elizabeth
Polster and Deputy Attorney General Jacqueline
D. Smith coordinated the investigation.
DAG Smith represented the Division of
Criminal Justice - Office of Insurance
Fraud Prosecutor before the State Grand
Jury. The case was referred to the Office
of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor by the Division
of Consumer Affairs Enforcement Bureau.
The superceding indictment, which was
handed up to Mercer County Superior Court
Judge Maria M. Sypek on Jan. 10, is merely
an accusation. The defendants are presumed
to be innocent of the charges unless and
until proven guilty beyond a reasonable
doubt.