Dentist Allegedly Billed Taxpayers for Hours He Didn't Actually Work

A dentist in charge of New York State’s dentistry program for incarcerated youth was arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 2 for allegedly billing taxpayers $75,000 for hours he didn’t work.

According to a news release from the New York State Inspector General’s office, Neil Schachter, MD, was arrested and charged with second-degree grand larceny, second-degree forgery, and first-degree offering a false instrument for filing. The charges constitute first-degree felonies.

Dr. Schachter, 61, in his capacity as director of dentistry at the State Office of Children and Family Services’ Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunism for Youth, managed a staff of dentists and hygienists that care for jailed minors throughout the state.

According to the news release, an investigation of Dr. Schachter’s timesheets revealed that he billed the state $75,000 for hours he didn’t actually work. During the time period in question—between September 2013 and earlier this year—the hours he billed coincided with hours he worked in private practices in Saratoga Springs and Amsterdam.

The investigation also revealed that Dr. Schachter allegedly created a fake letter from one of his supervisors that falsely allowed him to collect two salaries: one from the state for his work, and one from the private practices.

“This defendant exploited his government role and defrauded the State to criminally supplement his six-figure salary at taxpayer expense,” said New York Inspector General Leahy Scott. “I will continue to use all resources at my disposal to pursue and hold accountable anyone who violates the public trust.”

Dr. Schachter was arraigned and released on Nov. 2. His next court appearance will on Nov. 23.