Sherrill picks new Insurance Fraud prosecutor

Gov. Mikie Sherrill has nominated a former federal prosecutor as the state’s insurance fraud prosecutor.

Bernard Cooney, a Montclair resident who worked with Sherrill at the U.S. Attorney’s office, assumed the post on an interim basis last week as he awaits State Senate confirmation.

Cooney was an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 2013 to 2022, and again from 2023 until last March, and served as chief of the health care fraud unit.  He also headed the government fraud unit, and worked as a counsel for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.  He’s spent the last two months as a partner at a Montclair criminal defense firm.

“Bernard Cooney’s career in public service makes him the ideal candidate to take over the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor,” Sherrill said.  “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.”

Cooney replaces Tracy Thompson, who retired in 2022 and was not replaced.  Al Garcia held the post on an acting basis following Thompson’s retirement.

“The people of New Jersey are fortunate to have an experienced public servant like Bernard Cooney in this important role,” said Attorney General Jennifer 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.”