NJ cop’s sister posed as his wife to claim benefits, prosecutor says

ASBURY PARK — When the sister of a city police officer needed health insurance, the pair formulated a plan to pose as husband and wife to illegally get benefits, prosecutors are charging.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said 38-year-old Alix Antoine, who has since been suspended from the force, and 44-year-old Patricia Louis pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree insurance fraud.

Gramiccioni said from 2009 until 2013, Antoine claimed his biological half sister, who was also known as Patricia Antoine, as his spouse. This allowed her and her son to collect benefits provided by the Asbury Park Police Department.

As part of the plea agreement, the pair have agreed to pay restitution to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield in the amount of $189,646. Antoine's employment with the department was also forfeited as of Feb. 21, and he is permanently disqualified from holding public office or being employed by the state.

Antoine had originally been indicted on four charges of second-degree official misconduct, conspiracy to commit official misconduct, insurance fraud, and third-degree tampering with public records. Louis, who Gramiccioni said lives in Clifton, was originally charged with one count of second-degree conspiracy to commit official misconduct and insurance fraud.

According to the plea agreement, both defendants will apply to enter the pre-trial intervention program.

Gramiccioni noted that since his office launched a Corruption Tip Line in 2012, 14 police officers have been prosecuted for various forms of corruption, fraud and misconduct.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel John Loughrey and Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Lipp. Antoine is represented by Richard Incremona, Esq. of Freehold. Louis is represented by Mitchell Ignatoff, Esq. of Englewood Cliffs.

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Contact reporter Adam Hochron at 609-359-5326 or Adam.Hochron@townsquaremedia.com