Federal prosecutors have charged two Ocean County nurses in connection with an alleged $20.7 million Medicare and Medicaid fraud scheme involving illegal kickbacks and medically unnecessary prescriptions.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Nikki Steidle, 53, of Toms River, pleaded guilty on June 30 to conspiracy charges that include defrauding the United States, receiving and paying illegal kickbacks, and unlawfully distributing controlled substances.

Ashlee Maixner, 39, of Lakehurst, was indicted on similar charges, including conspiracy, unlawful distribution of controlled substances, and two counts of soliciting and receiving kickbacks. She has pleaded not guilty, and the charges against her remain allegations.

Federal authorities allege the two advanced practice nurses worked for Dr. Boris Veysman and accepted cash kickbacks from pharmacy owner Sherif Elmasri in exchange for writing prescriptions for high-reimbursement medications that were billed to Medicare and Medicaid. Prosecutors say the prescriptions often were not medically necessary, and some controlled substances were prescribed without proper patient evaluations.

Investigators estimate the scheme caused approximately $20.7 million in losses to Medicare and Medicaid between October 2022 and November 2025.

Dr. Boris Veysman of Freehold and Sherif Elmasri of Morganville have both previously pleaded guilty in connection with the investigation. Another employee and a medical office manager have also entered guilty pleas on related charges.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the DEA’s New Jersey Field Division. Federal prosecutors emphasized that the charges against Maixner are accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.