Ex-Delran Chief Admits To Fraud, Obstruction: Prosecutor

CINNAMINSON, NJ - The former chief of the Delran Emergency Squad from Cinnaminson has admitted to falsifying patient care reports and then submitting the fabricated records to insurance providers as part of a scheme to collect money for services that were not billable, authorities announced on Tuesday.

Donald Horner, 67, pleaded guilty to third-degree insurance fraud and third-degree tampering with public records, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina said. In exchange, he is expected to be sentenced to 364 days in jail. Sentencing is scheduled for June 24.

Horner's certification expired on Dec. 31, 2016, according to the prosecutor's office. Uncertified EMTs aren't allowed to serve as crew members on transorts. Authorities allege that Horner did anyway, and that he altered 27 reports to hide the fact that he did.

Horner then threatened the lives of investigators with the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Emergency Management who learned of his alleged behavior and opened an investigation in June, according to the prosecutor's office.

Investigators then returned with Delran police a few days later, according to nj.com. They were immediately denied access, which was ultimately granted after they informed the squad's president that restricting access amounted to hindering the investigation.

The state shut down the Delran Emergency Squad in July because Horner didn't have his certification and was trying to thwart the investigation. Horner resigned shortly thereafter.

Read more here: Ex-Chief In BurlCo Busted For Fraud, Threatened Lives: Police

Further investigation revealed that 11 of the altered reports were submitted to insurance companies for $4,307 in compensation, Coffina said.

As part of the negotiated plea deal, Horner must make restitution and forfeit his Emergency Medical Technician certification for life. Horner must also perform 200 hours of community service and pay a $1,300 fine, Coffina said.

Horner was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Josh Dennis, supervisor of the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office's Insurance Fraud Unit.

The investigation was conducted by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office Insurance Fraud Unit. The lead investigator was Burlingotn County Prosecutor's Office Det. Steve Laramie.