By: Richard L. Smith
Ocean County officials reported that on July 25, Ms. Maria F. Macburnie, a/k/a/ 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.
According to Prosecutor Bilhimer, between March 2022 and June 2023, Macburnie saw and treated patients while posing as a licensed medical practitioner, working out of Shore Medical Associates at 601 Route 37 West, Suite 101, in Toms River.
Authorities say Macburnie presented herself as Dr. Fe Almazon-Condit - a relative of Macburnie’s with an active license to practice medicine.
Prosecutor Bilhimer said, during this time frame, Macburnie was prescribing medications, including controlled dangerous substances, to patients.
A further investigation revealed that Macburnie issued multiple prescriptions written under the name of Dr. Almazon-Condit, and submitted numerous insurance claims and bills for services rendered when Dr. Almazon-Condit could not see and treat patients.
On July 26, Prosecutor Bilhimer said Macburnie was taken into custody by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Agents from the DEA New Jersey Division-Camden Resident Office without incident.
She is presently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Special Agent in Charge Ortiz urge 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.