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CT woman charged with filing $145K in fraudulent Medicaid claims. It was for home care services.

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CT woman charged with filing 5K in fraudulent Medicaid claims. It was for home care services.


A Connecticut woman who owned a home care program was arrested Thursday and charged with submitting fraudulent claims to Medicaid, officials said.

Evgjeni Baca, 41, of North Haven, was taken into custody by inspectors from the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney and charged with one count of health insurance fraud and one count of first-degree larceny by defrauding a public community, according to a release from the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice.

Between February 2019 and February 2021, Baca was the owner of Lean on Us Homecare, LLC, which was licensed to provide homemaker, companion and Personal Care Assistant services under the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders, according to the arrest warrant affidavit. The program allows eligible individuals to continue living at home instead of being placed in a nursing home. To become eligible, applicants “must be 65 years of age or older and at risk of nursing home placement,” officials said.

According to the warrant affidavit, an investigation showed that Lean On Us Homecare personnel files did not include completed job applications, photocopies of driver’s licenses, criminal background check results or proof of mandatory training for the PCA workers.

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“PCAs are required to have training to provide high-quality, person-centered-care to safeguard the health and welfare of older and disabled adults,” officials said.

The files also did not include “subjects who had criminal convictions that were not revealed to clients,” according to the warrant affidavit.

The warrant affidavit also alleged that Baca submitted billings for services rendered by her that were not rendered by her or any employee of Lean on Us Homecare. According to the warrant affidavit, Baca received $145,705.16 in payments from the Connecticut Medicaid Program by submitting the fraudulent billings.

Baca was released on a $100,000 surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on March 7. The charges are punishable by up to 20 years in prison, the DCF said.

Anyone who suspects fraud or abuse in the public healthcare system is asked to contact the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit at the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney at 860-258-5986.

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State opens investigation into former New Haven police chief amid stolen money allegations

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State opens investigation into former New Haven police chief amid stolen money allegations


Connecticut State Police and the Chief State’s Attorney have opened an investigation into former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobsen and allegations that he misused public funds.

The City of New Haven reported the allegations to State’s Attorney John Doyle on Monday.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said Monday Jacobson admitted to stealing money from a fund used by the New Haven Police Department to pay for an support its confidential informant program.

Several officers flagged irregularities in the account and notified the three assistant chiefs in the department, according to Elicker. It was then that the assistant chiefs confronted Jacobson on Monday morning.

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Elicker said after being confronted, Jacobson admitted to taking the funds. The assistant chiefs then notified Chief Administrative Officer Justin McCarthy, who then notified Elicker.

Jacobson was called in for a meeting with Elicker, where he was to be placed on administrative leave. Elicker said that before the meeting, Jacobson handed in his paperwork to retire, effective immediately.

The mayor was unable to share additional details on how much money was reportedly taken or for how long due to the ongoing investigation.

Assistant Chief David Zannelli has been appointed as the acting police chief.

State police will conduct the investigation and Chief State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin has appointed New Britain Judicial District State’s Attorney Christian Watson to oversee the investigation to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.

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Made in Connecticut: Rochambeau Memorial Monument

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Made in Connecticut: Rochambeau Memorial Monument


This year, the U.S. celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The French were instrumental in our fight for freedom, and their march through Connecticut is being memorialized in a new sculpture. News 12 met with the artist in this week’s Made in Connecticut.



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Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet In South Plainfield Offers Endless Delicious Options

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Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet In South Plainfield Offers Endless Delicious Options


The Greater Danbury area isn’t exactly known as a buffet hotspot, but if you’re willing to venture beyond your zip code, the state delivers some awe-inspiring all-you-can-eat experiences. A recent “Only In Your State” feature crowned one buffet as the best in Connecticut — and that raised a very local question: Do any buffets near Danbury compare?

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The Top 5 Buffets in Connecticut

Topping the statewide list is the Pacific Buffet & Grill in Wallingford, celebrated by Only In Your State as Connecticut’s best. This place is the gold standard, known for its huge seafood selection, sushi bar, hibachi grill, and sheer variety. Crab legs, shrimp, steak, noodles — it’s all here, and it’s why people happily drive across the state for it.

Other standout buffets earning consistent praise include Osaka Hibachi Buffet in Stratford, loved for its cleanliness and sushi options, and Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet in South Plainfield, which boasts hundreds of rotating items and a popular cook-to-order hibachi station. Rounding out the top five are Imperial China Buffet in Watertown a dependable classic, and Royal Buffet Sushi and Grill in New Milford, which is especially important for Greater Danbury diners.

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So… What About Buffets Near Danbury?

Here’s the honest truth: Danbury doesn’t have a Pacific-level buffet. But there are a couple of respectable local options. Grand Century Buffet at 1 Padanaram Road remains the city’s most familiar buffet, offering a wide selection at reasonable prices. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done.

Meanwhile, Agogo Asian & Sushi Buffet, 15-19 Backus Ave., has earned strong reviews for quality — especially sushi — even if the buffet itself is smaller than the state’s heavy hitters.


The Bottom Line

If you’re chasing Connecticut’s best buffet, it’s worth the drive. But if you’re staying local, New Milford and Danbury still offer solid options that satisfy the all-you-can-eat craving without a road trip.

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