East End Home Healthcare Worker Accused Of Engaging In Healthcare Fraud: DA

BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY — A home healthcare aide from Bridgehampton was arrested in connection with healthcare fraud, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

Latricia Hires, 23, was arrested and arraigned on charges including third-degree grand larceny, after reportedly falsely billing Medicaid for more than 300 hours of care for multiple disabled individuals, Tierney said.

According to the investigation, in September 2025, Hires began working as an aide for two residents at L’Arche – Long Island, a residential facility in Riverhead for people with intellectual disabilities, the DA said.

Her employment was subsequently terminated on October 17, 2025, Tierney said.

Following the termination, Hires reportedly continued to bill Public Partnerships LLC, the fiscal intermediary for Medicaid, for care that she was no longer providing, Tierney said.

Hires then reportedly logged into the Public Partnerships application, impersonated the disabled residents and approved her own falsified hours, ultimately stealing more than $5,000, Tierney said.

On October 13, Hires was arrested by New York State Police and arraigned before Town Justice Sean M. Walter in Riverhead Town Justice Court on charges including third-degree grand larceny, a class D felony; first-degree identity theft, a class D felony; third-degree health care fraud, a class D felony; and petty larceny, a class A misdemeanor, Tierney said.

The offenses are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set bail, the DA said.

Hires is currently serving a criminal sentence on unrelated offenses and was returned to the custody of the Suffolk County Sheriff, the DA said.

Hires is represented by the Legal Aid Society and is due back in court on October 27, Tierney said.

"People with intellectual disabilities and their families deserve caregivers they can trust," Tierney said. "This defendant allegedly exploited that trust for her own financial gain, continuing to bill Medicaid for services she was no longer providing. Our office will hold accountable those who steal from public programs."

"A rigorous joint investigation uncovered an alleged, dishonest plan by Ms. Hires to financially take advantage of the Medicaid system for care that was never performed," said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. "May this arrest serve as a reminder that we will hold accountable people who are placed in a position of trust and prey on the vulnerable who depend on them. I applaud the work of our members, partners at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, and the Comptroller’s Office for bringing a measure of justice for the victims."

"Scheming to divert money meant to help New Yorkers with intellectual disabilities is callous and inexcusable," said State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. "We will continue to work to safeguard these vital sources of services for vulnerable New Yorkers and team with our law enforcement partners to hold anyone who tries to defraud these programs accountable. My thanks to D Tierney and Superintendent James for their continued partnership in protecting public funds."