Passaic Co. Chiropractor Made $372K In Fraudulent Claims: Prosecutor

NORTH HALEDON, NJ — A Passaic County doctor made $372,000 through fraudulent insurance claims, while failing to make tax payments, according to authorities.

Joseph Capizzi, a North Haledon-based chiropractor, was arrested Monday, following an investigation that began more than two years ago, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office. Capizzi, 69, was charged with second-degree health care claims fraud and third-degree failure to pay tax.

On Oct. 26, 2020, the prosecutor's office received a report of inappropriate billing for services from Capizzi's chiropractic offices, located in North Haledon. The investigation revealed that he submitted insurance claims for services not performed on patients, receiving $372,000 in payments, the prosecutor's office said.

If convicted, Capizzi could face more than a decade behind bars. The fraud charge carries 5-10 years in State Prison, while failure to pay tax can result in 3-5 years' imprisonment.

Officials processed and released Capizzi. He will appear in Central Judicial Processing Court within two weeks, the prosecutor's office said.