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Essex County Woman Admits Health Care Claims Fraud and Unlicensed Practice of Medicine
TRENTON – Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (OIFP) announced today that the owner of a health center admitted health care claims fraud and other related crimes in connection with illegally providing medical services without a license.
Esney Davis-Sharpe, 63, of East Orange, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before Superior Court Judge Michael Ravin to second-degree health care claims fraud, third-degree Medicaid fraud, and third-degree unlicensed practice of medicine. As part of the plea, the state will recommend a sentence of four years’ probation, conditioned upon service of 180 days in jail, and a special condition prohibiting Davis-Sharpe from owning, operating or acting as the chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any clinic or medical facility with patients. Sentencing is scheduled for October 5, 2026.
“This defendant admitted to defrauding Medicaid while providing medical services she was not licensed to perform,” said Attorney General Davenport. “Patients deserve to know that the individuals providing their medical care are properly licensed and qualified, and the public deserves confidence that Medicaid funds are being used as intended. We will continue to protect patients and safeguard the integrity of New Jersey’s Medicaid program.”
“Providing medical services without the proper license can put patients at serious risk,” said Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Bernard J. Cooney. “This guilty plea demonstrates our commitment to holding accountable those who risk patient safety and undermine the integrity of our health care system through fraud.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, Bessie Mae Women’s Health Center was a women’s and family health practice located in East Orange, New Jersey, that offered, among other services, obstetrics/gynecology, primary care, and family care services. Davis-Sharpe owned and operated Bessie Mae.
As part of her guilty plea, Davis-Sharpe admitted that despite not having a medical license, she performed gynecological services on patients at Bessie Mae. She also admitted to submitting claims to insurance companies for payment under the names of licensed doctors. Those claims were for services she had rendered despite not being licensed to perform them.
Davis-Sharpe further admitted to submitting claims to the New Jersey Medicaid Program under the names of licensed doctors for services she had improperly rendered.
In August 2023, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs referred the matter to OIFP for investigation regarding the unlicensed practice of medicine at Bessie Mae. On January 25, 2024, the New Jersey Department of Health served Davis-Sharpe with a cease-and-desist order directing Bessie Mae to cease providing services at the facility.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorneys General Sean O’Connor and Lauren Aranguren for OIFP-Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU). Detectives Regina Strugala and Chantel Blake led the investigation.
If you suspect Medicaid fraud or elder abuse and neglect, report it here Medicaid Fraud or Elder Abuse & Neglect Reporting Form or contact us by phone at (609) 292-1272 or via email at NJMFCU@njdcj.org. Your report can make a difference.
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