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MSP: Greenville official, ex-wife defrauded $113k in insurance

Posted at 12:06 PM, Jan 03, 2017
and last updated 2017-01-03 18:19:33-05

KENT COUNTY, Mich. -- Christine Reiss, 47, was charged Tuesday morning in 61st District Court with healthcare fraud.christine-jansiewicz-reiss

Her ex-husband, Mark Reiss, is the Greenville public safety director. FOX 17 first reported Thursday evening that he faces the same charge, according to the Kent County Prosecutor's Office.

Court records indicate Blue Cross Blue Shield reported the alleged fraud to Michigan State Police in May 2016.

Greenville Public Safety Director Mark Reiss in 2014.

Mark is accused of keeping Christine on his health insurance after the two divorced in 2014 and allegedly failed to tell his insurance provider about the divorce.

According to sworn testimony by the Michigan State Police, Christine Reiss reissracked up $113,000 in prescription medication and healthcare services over a 15 month timeframe. According to that same testimony, Mark admitted to knowing about Christine's alleged activity.

Mark Reiss and his attorney haven't returned any calls for comment. According to public records, he bonded out of the Montcalm County Jail on Friday.

Reiss, 51, has served as Greenville's public safety director since 2013. Because of his position within Montcalm County, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker is acting as a special prosecutor in the case.

The charge holds a maximum 4-year penalty if they're convicted.

Greenville city manager George Bosanic issued the following statement:

"The city was aware of and cooperated fully in the investigation but had not anticipated nor was informed that charges would be brought against Mr. Reiss. Mr. Reiss is currently on vacation over the holidays. He has advised the City that he intends to plea not guilty to the charges."