A Southington dentist is accused of defrauding Medicaid out of thousands of dollars.
Thomas L. DeRienzo, 58, of Southbury, was arrested Tuesday and charged with first-degree larceny by defrauding a public community, second-degree vendor fraud and insurance fraud.
DeRienzo owns Plantsville Family Dental in the Plantsville section of Southington.
According to the state Department of Criminal Justice, DeRienzo improperly coded dental services when filing claims, billed Medicaid for services he never performed and performed other services that were deemed medically unneccessary.
The number of false or incorrect claims is in the hundreds and the total value is $7,213.92, according to the DCJ.
DeRienzo was released on bond and is due in court Aug. 13. He could face up to 35 years in prison if convicted.
Both Plantsville Family Dental and DeRienzo's attorney, Robert Kappes, declined to comment Tuesday afternoon.
