Beachwood chiropractor faces insurance fraud, drug charges

A Beachwood chiropractor accused of overbilling health care insurors is under arrest, and investigators are exploring whether they'll find more cases beyond the four that are alleged.

Carlo Amato, 55, is charged with four counts of health care claims fraud, and also with possession of fentanyl, according to the office of Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato.

Amato was remanded to the Ocean County Jail in Toms River, with bail set at a full $200,000, ordered to surrender his passport, and banned from his practice. Prosecutors also seek forfeiture of all assets resulting from the alleged scam.

Ocean County Prosecutor's Detective John LaRaia, Jr., and FBI Special Agent Christine Parr led the undercover probe that began in the Fall of 2015, authorities said. By Wednesday, December 7, they had obtained a warrant to search Amato's house, office, and his 2017 Audi Q7 and 2014 Porsche Panamera.

Patients who believed that Amato overbilled their insurance carriers for services not performed should reach Detective LaRaia, 732-929-2027.

Charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless, and until, found guilty in a court of law.