Former bookkeeper admits to stealing more than $1.8M from Amherst medical practice

Jordan Body Bova, a 54-year-old bookkeeper from Lancaster, New York, pleaded guilty to embezzling over $1.8 million from Highgate Medical Group, a medical practice in Amherst, between 2017 and 2024. Working as the trusted bookkeeper, Bova issued fraudulent checks from the practice's accounts to herself and concealed the thefts by altering computer records. She spent the stolen funds on maxing out credit cards with double-digit purchases every month and covering personal expenses, amounting to an estimated $250,000 to $300,000 stolen annually.

The scheme came to light through an investigation by authorities, leading to her guilty plea on theft charges and related tax evasion for failing to report the stolen money as income. Erie County District Attorney Mike Kane highlighted the 'ridiculous expenses' that tipped off the massive fraud. The medical practice confirmed no patient information was compromised. This case underscores the risks of unchecked access to financial systems in healthcare settings, urging practice owners to implement regular audits, segregate financial duties, and perform monthly bank reconciliations to detect discrepancies early and prevent such devastating internal thefts.