A disability services provider in Maine is headed to jail after she over-billed the state’s Medicaid program by more than $4 million to pay for her children’s nanny, trips and other expenses.

Dawn L. Solomon, 43, ran the Living Independence Network Corporation in Norway, Maine, which provided behavior, physical and social development services to children with intellectual disability, autism and other conditions.

Starting in 2006, Solomon began over-billing Maine’s Medicaid program, MaineCare, by an average of $87,000 per month. That number rose to $134,000 per month in 2008 before state officials became suspicious in 2009.

Upon investigation, prosecutors found that Solomon billed the state for expenses related to other businesses she owned as well as personal travel, tuition, cars and gifts. Solomon also inappropriately employed her children’s nanny, her father-in-law and others through the Living Independence Network Corporation, they said.

This week Solomon was sentenced to eight years in prison — though all but 42 months will be suspended — and three years probation. A judge also ordered her to pay full restitution.

“This $4 million fraud scheme exhibited a complete disregard for the disabled children who were used to commit it,” said Maine Attorney General Schneider.

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