Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced Isaiah Wise, 53, of Newark was sentenced today to seven years in New Jersey state prison by the Honorable Peter V. Ryan, J.S.C., for stealing nearly $1 million from Saint Barnabas Long Term Care Division.
Wise, former manager of the billing office at Saint Barnabas, set up Procare, a fake holding company. He fraudulently deposited checks intended for the long term care division into Procare’s bank accounts. Between 2001 and 2009 he wrote $931,590 in checks.
The theft came to light when a widow sent a check to the hospital to pay for end of life medical care provided to her husband. When the check was returned it had been altered and written to Procare instead of to St. Barnabas. The discrepancy concerned the widow who called and coincidentally spoke to Wise who refunded the money. Not satisfied, the widow contacted Saint Barnabas Health Care System regarding what had occurred. That led to an investigation.
Wise was originally charged with three counts. Today, as part of a plea deal, he was sentenced on one count of second degree theft. He was immediately taken into custody.
“Nine years is a very long time. Every day was a chance to stop, but this defendant never did and never showed any remorse right up through sentencing.” said Assistant Prosecutor Robert Grady, who handled the case.
