NEWARK, N.J. - Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Jersey Division Cheryl Ortiz and Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 25, 2023, Maria F. Macburnie, aka Marife L. Macburnie, 62, of Toms River, was charged with Practicing Medicine by an Unlicensed Person, Forgery, Health Care Claims Fraud, and three counts of Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.
The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by the DEA Camden Resident Office and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad. The Investigation revealed that between March 2022 and June 2023, Macburnie was seeing and treating patients while posing as a licensed medical practitioner, working out of Shore Medical Associates located at 601 Route 37 West, Suite 101, in Toms River. Macburnie presented herself as Dr. Fe Almazon-Condit - a relative of Macburnie’s with an active license to practice medicine. During this time frame, Macburnie was prescribing medications, including controlled dangerous substances, to patients.
Further investigation revealed that Macburnie issued multiple prescriptions written under the name of Dr. Almazon-Condit, and submitted multiple insurance claims and bills for services rendered during time periods when Dr. Almazon-Condit was unable to see and treat patients.
On July 26, 2023, Macburnie was taken into custody by and Agents from the DEA Camden Resident Office and Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad without incident. She is presently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
“The DEA remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners in apprehending individuals that pose a risk to the health and safety of New Jersey’s residents" stated Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz. “The distribution of any controlled dangerous substance, especially without a proper medical license, is not only dangerous because of the harmful effects that these medications can have on a person such as addiction but even worse, could lead to death. These individuals will be held accountable for their actions."
Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz and Prosecutor Billhimer are urging anyone who believes they were seen and/or treated by Macburnie to contact Detective Joseph Mitchell of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad at (732) 929-2027, extension 3532.
Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz and Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer credited the DEA New Jersey Division Camden Resident Office, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, and the Toms River Township Police Department, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above is merely an allegation and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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