4 Charged In Substance Abuse Treatment Fraud: State Police

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Four people were arrested as part of a conspiracy to defraud the state through a substance abuse treatment program called Access to Recovery.

The program is administered through non-profit Advanced Behavioral Health. Someone made a complaint that case worker Nikkita Chesney, 45, of Bridgeport was involved in a kick back scheme that involved promising clients cash in return for requesting day care services, according to State Police.

Numerous documents were forged to make it seem like clients were eligible for the benefits when they weren't. Chesney conspired with other ATR clients and two home day care providers in Bridgeport. The total loss from Access to Recovery was more than $35,000.

Chesney was charged with first-degree larceny, second-degree forgery and conspiracy counts for both. She was released on a $50,000 bond.

Joyce Walker, 37, of Bridgeport was an ABH client who played a role in fraud, according to State Police. She was charged with the same as Chesney and also released on a $50,000 bond.

The two home day care providers were Merlisia Bennett, 59, and Rachel Lawrence, 69. Bennett was charged with the same as the other two arrestees and Lawrence was charged with first-degree larceny and conspiracy. Both were released on bond.

Images via State Police Chesney, Bennett, Lawrence and Walker