A Massachusetts dentist recently pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $1.2 million from his employer and fraudulently obtaining government benefits in his employer's name.
Jack Massarsky, DDS, worked as a dentist and bookkeeper for a practice in Hyannis, Mass., between 2015 and 2021, according to a Jan. 25 news release from the Justice Department. In 2015, Dr. Massarsky opened a secret bank account under the dental practice's name and deposited insurance reimbursement checks into that account, embezzling more than $1.2 million. The stolen funds were used for personal and family expenses, according to the news release.
Dr. Massarsky also submitted a fraudulent application in July 2020 to the Health Resources and Services Administration Provider Relief Fund using the dentistry practice's name. He fraudulently obtained more than $52,000 in pandemic relief funds and deposited it into the secret bank account.
Dr. Massarsky pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of wire fraud, which each carry a prison sentence of up to 20 years, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss — whichever is greater — restitution and forfeiture.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 15.