TRENTON – Gov. Jon S. Corzine tapped, on May 19, a veteran federal fraud prosecutor to serve as New Jersey’s first Medicaid Inspector General.

Corzine nominated Mark Anderson to fill the newly-created position, according to a release. Anderson currently serves as an assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, an office that is nationally recognized for its effectiveness in prosecuting Medicaid fraud cases.

In his current post, Anderson handles cases involving health care and Medicaid fraud, telemarketing fraud, procurement fraud, and drug diversion cases. Anderson, who currently resides in Pennsylvania, is in the process of relocating to the Hamilton area.

“We are quite fortunate to attract an individual with Mark’s qualifications to serve as the state’s first Medicaid Inspector General,” Corzine stated. “His experience, both in the courtroom and as an auditor and investigator, will reap tremendous benefits in our ongoing efforts to eliminate fraud.”

Anderson received his undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University, and his law degree from Temple University School of Law. Prior to his current position in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Anderson was in private practice with area law firms, and also worked for major corporations as a financial analyst and auditor.

The position of Medicaid Inspector General was created by statute last year. The position, which will oversee the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General, is charged with ensuring the integrity of the Medicaid program through the detection, prevention and investigation of fraud and abuse, as well as the recovery of funds obtained through fraudulent means.

The Medicaid Inspector General is appointed by the governor, subject to the advice and consent of the New Jersey Senate.