WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. -- A former nurse submitted false insurance claims indicating she and her husband had cancer, and used the money to cover a gambling debt, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office.
Diane Stanesic, 56, of West Mifflin, appeared in a preliminary arraignment after her arrest Monday by agents from the attorney general's office. State officials charged Stanesic with insurance fraud, theft by deception, forgery and tampering with records.
Stanesic did not answer the door at her home Monday night when WTAE Channel 4's Jon Greiner knocked, seeking comment.
According to the criminal complaint, Stanesic used her background in nursing to submit 29 false medical insurance claims worth $36,000 in 2007 and 2008. The claims were for cancer treatments for the couple, though neither one of them ever had cancer.
According to the criminal complaint, Stanesic used the money to hide her losses from video poker machines. Her husband was unaware.
Attorney General Tom Corbett called insurance fraud a serious crime, saying bogus claims drive up health-care costs, making treatment more expensive for those who truly need care.
Stanesic was released on her own recognizance, pending a hearing on Sept. 8.
Counseling and treatment services are available for anyone who has a problem with compulsive gambling. The state Department of Health has approved 42 treatment providers across Pennsylvania. Assistance is also available by calling the 24-hour addiction hot line,
877-565-2112. Calls are confidential and free.
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