GLENVIEW, IL — A local woman is facing felony charges after she allegedly stole more than $44,000 from a state program that helps residents with disabilities remain in their homes.
Deborah Mazeika, 56, of Glenview, is accused of two counts of felony theft, felony vendor fraud, and felony forgery, according to Illinois State Attorney General Kwame Raoul.
Each theft count and the vendor fraud count are punishable by up to 15 years in prison, while the forgery count is punishable by up to five years in prison. Mazeika's next court appearance is scheduled for June 23.
According to prosecutors, the charges stem from the Illinois Home Services Program, which provides services to people with severe disabilities so they can remain in their homes and live as independently as possible. Raoul's office alleges Mazeika submitted false claims to the Illinois Department of Human Services for services under that program.
Mazeika received state payments for services she claimed to have provided on dates and times when she was working in person at another job. The office also alleges claims she submitted overlapped with dates when the intended recipient of the services was admitted to in-patient and long-term care facilities.
"Illinois' Home Services Program provides essential services to thousands of Illinoisans with disabilities, allowing them to remain in their homes," Raoul said. "It is unconscionable that someone would exploit this vital program for their own financial gain. I will continue to work with state government partners to identify fraud and hold those accountable who steal from taxpayers and our most vulnerable residents."
The case is being prosecuted by the attorney general's office after an investigation by Raoul's Medicaid Fraud Bureau. The Illinois Department of Human Services referred the case to Raoul's office, according to the announcement.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Glenview, IL Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.