Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office today announced that Christopher Poczobut, 52, formerly of Rutland, Vermont, was arraigned today on one misdemeanor count of Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult and six felony counts of Fraud or Deceit Involving a Regulated Drug. The charges brought against Mr. Poczobut are the result of an investigation conducted by the Vermont Secretary of State Office of Professional Regulation.
Mr. Poczobut was employed as a licensed practical nurse at St. Joseph Kervick Residence, a residential care facility for vulnerable adults located in Rutland, Vermont. In this role, Mr. Poczobut is alleged to have fraudulently obtained or misadministered a patient’s methylphenidate (Ritalin), and to have entered false information into the patient’s medical record.
Mr. Poczobut pleaded not guilty to all counts at his arraignment today in Vermont Superior Court, Rutland Unit, Criminal Division. The Court, Judge Cortland T. Corsones presiding, ordered Mr. Poczobut released on conditions including that he appear in court when directed, provide his contact information to his attorney and the court, and report to a police barracks for photos and fingerprinting.
Felony drug diversion holds the potential for a maximum of two years of incarceration, a fine of $5,000, or both. Misdemeanor neglect of a vulnerable adult holds the potential for a maximum of 18 months of incarceration, a fine of $10,000, or both.
The Attorney General’s Office emphasizes that individuals charged with a crime are legally presumed innocent until their guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If you suspect someone is being or has been neglected or abused, contact local law enforcement immediately. Neglect and abuse may also be reported to Adult Protective Services by calling 800-564-1612 and to MFRAU at https://ago.vermont.gov/medicaid-fraud-report-form.
The Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $1,332,724 for Federal fiscal year FY 2025. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $444,241 for FY 2025, is funded by the State of Vermont.
6.30.2025. MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Attorney General
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