VETERAN FEDERAL PROSECUTOR NAMED TO SERVE AS INSURANCE FRAUD PROSECUTOR

The following information was released by the office of the Attorney General of New Jersey:

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced today that Gov. Mikie Sherrill has appointed veteran federal prosecutor Bernard J. Cooney of Montclair, New Jersey, to serve as the New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prosecutor.

Created in 1998, the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (OIFP) is responsible for conducting full and fair investigations to ensure successful criminal prosecutions, civil adjudications, licensing sanctions or other appropriate dispositions in matters alleging insurance fraud.

"Bernard Cooney's career in public service makes him the ideal candidate to take over the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor," said Governor Sherrill. "His deep experience in pursuing criminal and civil cases involving healthcare fraud, white collar crime, and financial fraud aligns extremely well with the strategic mission of the OIFP. He takes the helm of an agency that is already working hard to root out insurance abuse and fraud and keep costs low for the people of New Jersey."

"The people of New Jersey are fortunate to have an experienced public servant like Bernard Cooney in this important role," said Attorney General Davenport. "Bernard Cooney brings a proven record of experience and accomplishment to his new position. He will build on the success the OIFP has built in rooting out and prosecuting anyone attempting to illegally use the insurance business to line their own pockets."

Cooney worked as an assistant U.S. Attorney District of New Jersey from June 2013 to March 2022, and from May 2023 to March 2025. At the U.S. Attorney's Office, he served as the chief of the Health Care Fraud Unit from July 2024 to March 2025, supervising a unit of 12 attorneys dedicated to criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions of complex health care fraud schemes and violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute, the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and the False Claims Act. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney, he investigated and prosecuted health care fraud and national security matters. He also served as the office's International Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) Coordinator and worked for the office's National Security Unit, where he investigated and prosecuted theft of trade secrets, sanctions evasion, terrorism, and other national security matters.

His service at the U.S. Attorney's Office also included working as the chief of the Government Fraud Unit, supervising eight attorneys responsible for criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions of government program fraud, including Paycheck Protection Program loan fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, and False Claims Act violations.

As Acting Chief of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit he supervised a team of attorneys and paraprofessionals responsible for criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions of improper diversion of opioids and other prescription drugs and related health care fraud offenses, including fraud against the government and private health insurance plans, kickback schemes, and False Claims Act violations. He also served on the Health Care Fraud Unit and the Narcotics/Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.

From March 2022 to May 2023, Cooney worked for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), where he was ultimately promoted to Principal Counsel, Enforcement Department. Cooney investigated and prosecuted violations of securities industry rules, regulations, and laws; advised investigative and examination staff on regulatory violations; effectively negotiated settlements; drafted settlement documents, complaints, and internal memoranda.

"It is an honor to be nominated to this position and join the men and women who are working so hard to prevent fraud in our insurance systems," said Cooney. "I look forward to joining the team and continuing this important work."

Most recently, Cooney was a partner with the firm Clark Guldin in Montclair, New Jersey, handling white collar criminal defense, government investigations, and complex commercial litigation. He earned his bachelor's degree from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia and his law degree at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York.

The OIFP serves as the focal point for the coordination of all criminal, civil and administrative prosecutions of Medicaid and insurance fraud. The office also coordinates all insurance-related anti-fraud activities of state and local departments and agencies. Cooney must be confirmed by the New Jersey State Senate. He has been serving as Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor since May 18, 2026.