Salman family receives $118,000 in health benefits after misrepresenting household incomes

PHOENIX - Three Phoenix residents were indicted Wednesday on allegations of health care fraud after misrepresenting their household income to gain more health benefits.

According to a news release, Attorney General Tom Horne announced the indictment by the State Grand Jury, stating that the three residents are accused of defrauding $118,000 in benefits from Arizona's Medicaid Agency, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).

Michael Salman, 39, a self-styled pastor who was recently involved in a zoning dispute, was among the three accused for fraud. Salman and his wife Suzanne, 34, allegedly received benefits for themselves and their children by misrepresenting their income.

Salman's 37-year-old brother Frank allegedly received family benefits between May 2007 and March 2012 after misrepresenting his own income, according to the news release.

AHCCCS paid $73,000 of medical coverage for Michael and Suzanne's family and $45,000 for Frank's family.

The State alleges that Salman gave false information about his household income and employment with the Bureau of Merchant Services between March 2008 and January 2012.

"The Arizona Corporation Commission shows Suzanne Salman is the current statutory agent for National Bureau of Merchant Services (NBMS). NBMS' initial board of directors, when the Corporation Commission paperwork was signed on December 15, 2004, consisted of Michael and Suzanne Salman as the sole board members," the news release states.

Michael, Suzanne and Frank were indicted for allegations of fraudulent schemes and artifices, theft and multiple counts of forgery. Michael and Frank could also face a charge of perjury.